Mark Brewer (Michigan Democrat)

Mark Brewer
Mark Brewer at the University of Michigan
Brewer in 2009
Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party
In office
1995–2013
Serving with Melvin Hollowell (2003–2004)
Preceded byGary Corbin
Succeeded byLon Johnson
Personal details
Born1955 or 1956 (age 69–70)
PartyDemocratic
EducationHarvard College (BA)
Stanford Law School

Mark Brewer (born 1955 or 1956) is an American lawyer, political consultant,[1] and a member of the Democratic National Committee. He is the former chair of the Michigan Democratic Party[2][3] and a past chair of the Association of State Democratic Chairs.

Brewer was the longest serving chair of the Michigan Democratic Party.[4]

Early life

Mark Brewer was born in either 1955 or 1956.[5] He's from Clinton Township in Macomb County. He graduated from Mount Clemens High School in 1973.[6] He graduated with honors from Harvard College in 1977, earning a bachelor's degree in government.[7] In 1981, he got his law degree from Stanford University Law School.[6]

Career

Brewer was first elected chair of the Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) in February 1995, taking over from former party chair Gary Corbin. He was elected unopposed.[6] He was re-elected in 1997.[7] He was again re-elected in 1999, despite a notable challenge from attorney Steve Dart.[8] He was re-elected in 2001.[9]

In 2003, Brewer faced a potential challenge to his chairmanship from Melvin "Butch" Hollowell. While Hollowell's bid for chairman was backed by Governor Granholm, Brewer's chairmanship was backed by organized labor.[10] On February 11, Hollowell announced a power sharing compromise plan. As per the plan, Hollowell would serve as a chairman of the party.[11] His duties would focus on communications related aspects of the position, such as chairing party conventions and running campaigns. Brewer was to serve as executive chairman, focusing on finance and budgeting concerns.[12][13] At the February 15 state convention, Brewer and Hollowell were both elected co-chairmen of the party.[13] Kathleen Gray of the Detroit Free Press described the power sharing arrangement as "awkward", with tensions arising between Brewer and Hollowell. On August 3, 2004, Hollowell stepped down as chairman to become a legal advisor on John Kerry's presidential campaign. Upon Hollowell's resignation, Brewer was once again the sole MDP chair.[14]

In 2013, Brewer lost his bid for a tenth two-year term as MDP Chair to Lon Johnson, a former political operative and former candidate for the Michigan House of Representatives. Brewer withdrew form the election during the February 23, 2013 Michigan Democratic Party Convention held at Cobo Hall in Detroit, Michigan.[2][3] In June 2013, Mark joined Goodman Acker, the Detroit area firm, as a lawyer and political consultant.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 Halcom, Chad (May 21, 2013). "Former state Dem chair Mark Brewer to blend law, consulting in new role at Goodman Acker PC". Crain's Detroit Business. Retrieved July 25, 2013.
  2. 1 2 Gautz, Chris (February 23, 2013). "Longtime chair Mark Brewer is out; state Dems elect Lon Johnson". Crain's Detroit Business. Associated Press. Retrieved February 23, 2013.
  3. 1 2 Gray, Kathleen (February 23, 2013). "Mark Brewer exits race for party chair after tense day at Michigan Democratic convention". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved February 23, 2013.
  4. ↑ "Democratic Party of Michigan records, 1932-2013 (majority within 1950-2012)". University of Michigan Library. Retrieved August 8, 2026.
  5. ↑ "About Mark Brewer « Michigan Democratic Party". Archived from the original on January 21, 2013. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
  6. 1 2 3 "New Democratic chairman's job: reassemble party". The Times Herald. February 13, 1995. p. 3. Retrieved August 8, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. 1 2 "Democrats re-elect fervent party chairman". The Kalamazoo Gazette. February 10, 1997. p. 5. Retrieved August 8, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ↑ Guest, Greta (February 7, 1999). "Dems reelect Mark Brewer as state party chairman". The Kalamazoo Gazette. p. 100. Retrieved August 8, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ↑ Durbin, Dee-Ann (February 11, 2001). "Democratic field is getting crowded in bid for governor". Muskegon Chronicle. p. A1. Retrieved August 8, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ↑ Harmon, Steven (January 5, 2003). "Polpourri '03". The Grand Rapids Press. p. 17. Retrieved August 5, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ↑ "Hollowell, Brewer to share power state party leaders". Grand Haven Tribune. February 11, 2003. p. 3. Retrieved August 5, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ↑ Moses, Alexandra R. (February 12, 2003). "Democrats' leaders to share power". The Herald-Palladium. p. 12. Retrieved August 5, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  13. 1 2 Moses, Alexandra R. (February 16, 2003). "State Democrats get joint leadership". The Flint Journal. p. 8. Retrieved August 5, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ↑ Gray, Kathleen (August 4, 2004). "Hollowell joins Kerry campaign". Detroit Free Press. p. 13. Retrieved August 5, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.


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