The Gist
State Senator, 1st District

Justin Onwenu

Candidate for State Senator, 1st District

Democratic

Background

Was appointed in August 2024 as the City of Detroit's first Director of Entrepreneurship and Economic Opportunity. A Columbia Law School graduate, he was previously organizing director for One Fair Wage and began as a Sierra Club organizer in Detroit and Downriver.

Report

Documented positions

Economy & jobs

  • Proposes statewide data center rules requiring community benefits agreements.

    Justin Onwenu - Planet Detroit 2026 candidate survey

    Candidate questionnaire · Planet Detroit · voterguide.planetdetroit.org

    “The state must require community benefits agreements and also empower localities with legal resources”
    Report

Roads & infrastructure

  • Supports a statewide water affordability program and lead line replacement.

    Justin Onwenu - Planet Detroit 2026 candidate survey

    Candidate questionnaire · Planet Detroit · voterguide.planetdetroit.org

    “I support a statewide water affordability program, continued investment in lead service line replacement and water infrastructure”
    Report

  • Supports expanding reliable public transportation.

    Justin Onwenu - Planet Detroit 2026 candidate survey

    Candidate questionnaire · Planet Detroit · voterguide.planetdetroit.org

    “It means expanding reliable public transportation so families are not forced to spend more and more of their income on cars and insurance.”
    Report

Environment & parks

All sources (5)

Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.