Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 26/05/2026Everyone is fed up with the influence of big money in our politics. I believe we can put power back in the hands of the people. That’s why I’m introducing a small-dollar campaign financing bill, Amplify MI Voice, to encourage all of us to donate so our interests are followed when they are elected. 020
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 17/04/2026I'm honored to announce the endorsement of MI List -- one of Michigan's premier organizations dedicated to electing pro-choice and pro-women women and men -- for my State Senate run! I'm fired up to keep fighting for women and families in the Senate! Thanks @milistpac.bsky.social 020
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 08/04/2026I’m honored to announce the endorsement of the @michiganlcv.bsky.social! I’ve been a leader on clean water, renewable energy, pollution cleanup, EVs & corporate accountability. I will always protect our air 🌬️, water 🌊, land 🌳, and democracy 🗳️. I will always put planet and people over profits. 030
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 31/03/2026March is Reading Month is on its final chapter (please laugh at my dad joke). This month I had so much fun visiting elementary schools across the 80th District to read books, talk a bit about state government, and answer a very, very, very wide variety of interesting questions from the students. 020
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 16/03/2026It's an honor to be endorsed by my colleagues in the State House. These hard-working, good-hearted legislators believe in Michigan. Together, we're fighting back against the MAGA Republican agenda and ready to dream forward now and in the new year. Stay tuned for Part II and more later this week! 010
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 16/03/2026I'll be speaking with the Kent County Progressive Caucus on Monday about what's happening in the state capitol and my hopes for the future. I'm looking forward to a conversation about how we all can fight back against Republican policies in the House and dream forward! 030
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 04/03/2026I had an inspiring and informative day, spending time with my friend and the next governor -- Jocelyn Benson -- in Grand Rapids. Jocelyn is listening to us and understands the powerful role we play in the state. She will be a great governor for West Michiganders! 020
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 02/03/2026Join me this month in celebrating the vital role women have played in American history. "No country can ever truly flourish if it stifles the potential of its women and deprives itself of the contributions of half of its citizens." - Michelle Obama Happy Women’s History Month! 020
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 20/02/2026This week, in honor of Black History Month, I'd like to pay tribute to Rev. Lyman S. Parks, the first African American Mayor of Grand Rapids, serving from 1971 to 1976, and the first African American to be elected to the Grand Rapids City Commission for the Third Ward in 1968. 010
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 20/02/2026The Spillman Carousel is Back! This weekend, the GR Public Museum unveiled major upgrades to the Carousel and Cook Carousel Pavilion after a 2-year renovation. It now features freshly painted animals, new mechanics, and a brand-new accessible chariot so all of our neighbors can experience the fun.grpm.org1928 Spillman Carousel - Grand Rapids Public MuseumThe 1928 Spillman Carousel is an iconic piece of downtown Grand Rapids that has welcomed millions of visitors for the last 25 years. 020
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 18/02/2026Ramadan Mubarak! Tonight begins the holy month of Ramadan. May this sacred time bring you serenity, reflection and spiritual growth. Ramadan, the Islamic holy month, begins tonight. It comprises of a month-long fast and ends on March 19th with a celebration feast called Eid-al Fitr. 010
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 18/02/2026Happy Lunar New Year! 🧧🐎 As we welcome the Year of the Horse, I want to extend my warmest wishes to all who are celebrating across our community and around the world. Forward Fast for Freedom in 2026! 031
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 16/02/2026I’m excited to endorse Phil Skaggs for State Senate. I served with Phil on the Kent County Commission and saw firsthand how he gets things done for people. The people of metro Grand Rapids deserve a leader who successfully fights every day to give them a fair shot at the American Dream. 030
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 11/02/2026Today, we commemorate White Shirt Day and honor the UAW autoworkers who fully unionized the auto industry during the Flint Sit-Down Strike and forever changed the American workplace 89 years ago. I promise to keep fighting for organized labor and an economy that works for everyone. 000
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 05/02/2026It’s six months until the Democratic primary election! This election is about to be a sprint (as soon as the snow melts)! Now is the time to join the Skaggs Squad and keep the 29th Blue. Sign up to volunteer or apply to be a campaign fellow today at philskaggs.com/take-action 032
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 05/02/2026It’s only six months until the Democratic primary election! This election is about to be a sprint (when the snow melts)! Now is the time to join the Skaggs Squad to keep the 29th Blue. Sign up to volunteer or be a campaign fellow at philskaggs.com/take-action Step Up, Fight Back and Dream Forward! 031
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 03/02/2026Trump is urging Republicans to seize control of elections from the states and place voting under his sole authority. Trump’s plan is clear: rig the midterm elections, seize control of vote counting, destroy our democratic republic and become a dictator.t.cohttps://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/trump-calls-on-gop-to-nationalize-the-voting/ 031
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 26/01/2026Happy 189th Birthday, Michigan! On this day -- 26 January -- in 1837, the Wolverine State became the 26th state of the USA! 🇺🇸 And we’re still the best damn state in the whole country! What are your favorite places in Michigan? 000
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 23/01/2026Trump and his Republicans are waging a war against Black history, against Latino history, against women’s history, against labor history, against history, against truth. It’s George Orwell’s 1984 and Big Brother’s Ministry of Truth is erasing history.washingtonpost.comPark Service removes slavery exhibit at Independence Park in PhiladelphiaPark staff dismantled an exhibit about George Washington’s slave ownership amid a wider push to remove information on racism, sexism and climate change. 188
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 16/01/2026Our campaign for State Senate is Launched! It was an honor to have so many friends at the party. Special thanks to the next Governor of Michigan -- Jocelyn Benson -- for her support for this campaign. Together we can build a state where everyon can live their Michigan Dream! 020
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 27/11/2025Happy Thanksgiving! I'm incredibly thankful for this team. We're working hard every day to earn your vote ... and we're having fun doing it! Thanks Justus Young, Ava Dixon and Quinn Fjelstul DeVries! And … Go Lions! 🦃🏈🦁 020
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 15/11/2025I'm excited to invite you to the Big State Senate Campaign Launch! With Special Guest @jocelynbenson.bsky.social, Candidate for Governor. Monday, December 1, 6:00-8:00 pm at The Center for Community Transformation 1530 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49507 More info 👇 151
Reposted by Phil SkaggsRep. Rheingans (MI HD47) @reprheingans.bsky.social · 03/10/2025#GrandRapids! Tonight, we're doing a #MiCare town hall with @philskaggs.bsky.social at the East Grand Rapids Community Center! Come hear details of #Michigan's #HealthcareForAll plan and ask your questions to a panel of advocates. See you there! 042
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 20/08/2025Next time we melt down all these monuments to Confederate traitors and slavers and sell them off as scrap. No museums nor no far away parks. Destroy them! www.nytimes.com/2025/08/17/u...nytimes.comNorth Carolina Confederate Monument Goes Too Far, Lawsuit Says 192
Reposted by Phil SkaggsMichigan House Democrats @mihousedems.bsky.social · 10/08/2025Trump and Republicans are hurting Michiganders statewide. @philskaggs.bsky.social lays out how Michigan families are paying the price of their broken promises, from higher groceries to gas prices to lost manufacturing jobs. buff.ly/XGvD6RK 081
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 08/08/2025My new editorial in the @detroitnews: From spaghetti sauce to computer chips, Trump's trade wars, incompetent economic policies, and cruel budgets are harming Michigan's families. www.detroitnews.com/story/opinio...detroitnews.comSkaggs: Tomato tariff adds to the woes of Michigan’s most vulnerableEarlier this week, the Trump administration imposed a 17% tariff on Mexican tomatoes. 042
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 15/07/2025President Obama on the moment: "It’s going to require Democrats to just toughen up. What’s being asked of us is make some effort to stand up for the things that you think are right." President Obama is right, it's time we all step up, fight back and dream big again. I'm in! Who's with me?cnn.comObama’s blunt message for Democrats: ‘Toughen up’ | CNN PoliticsFormer President Barack Obama issued a call to action for Democrats at a private fundraiser in New Jersey on Friday evening, urging those frustrated by the state of the country under President Donald ... 030
Reposted by Phil SkaggsAaron Reichlin-Melnick @reichlinmelnick.bsky.social · 07/07/2025ICE's average annual budget through FY 2029 is now going to be $27.6 billion, which makes it a higher-funded agency than the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, and Bureau of Prisons combined. We are looking at a level of federal law enforcement in communities not seen in generations. 41840368
Reposted by Phil SkaggsBrennan Center @brennancenter.org · 06/07/2025Lawmakers in at least 27 states have introduced bills that would require voters to provide citizenship documents like a birth certificate or passport to vote. Such rules would block huge numbers of American citizens from voting. bit.ly/3FVtayxbrennancenter.orgState Bills Would Require Passport or Birth Certificate to Register to VoteAs the Senate considers the SAVE Act, some state legislators are trying to replicate the bill’s restrictive show-your-papers requirements for voter registration. 1113077
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 06/07/2025📰 News is getting around: I’m running for State Senate because West Michigan deserves bold leadership willing to step up to the moment, fight back against Trump and MAGA, dream big again, and build progressive change for Michiganders.detroitnews.comInsider: Here's how much House, Senate have spent in taxpayer money to sue each otherThe Michigan House and Senate have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer money suing each other, according to government agencies. 074
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 03/07/2025I’m running to be your next State Senator because Michigan — and America — are in crisis. We need to face that reality, step up, fight back, and dream big again. Let's Do This! Join the Movement! www.philskaggs.com 173
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 01/07/2025I don’t mean to brag … but this is your @mihousedems.bsky.social Trivia Championship Team! 130
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 26/06/2025I wanted to let you know: after hearing from community leaders, I’m considering running to be your next state senator from district 29. They believe we need a tough Democrat willing to fight back against the attacks coming from Trump Republicans AND for our shared values. 282
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 25/06/2025Passed, signed, ceremonial photos taken, and it's law! In response to heartbreaking reports of children maimed and exploited at work, I led the charge to modernize and improve our child labor protection laws to keep our young people safe on the job. 🧵 272
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 23/06/2025Winnie Brinks is on fire 🔥🔥🔥 — bringing the heat to Matt Hall, House Republicans & their budgets: "This is very Trump-like behavior to cause a crisis and then to come in at the last second with some sort of half measure and pretend that they're being heroic." www.michiganpublic.org/politics-gov...michiganpublic.org“The irresponsibility... cannot be overstated.” Budget negotiations go down to the wire in Lansing.The July 1st deadline for the Legislature to send a finalized budget to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s desk is approaching and the House and the Senate don’t appear to be close. Plus, a new referendum ef... 010
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 23/06/2025ICYMI: Poll of Democrats in a primary for Michigan governor by the Glengariff Group (late May) @jocelynbenson.bsky.social has opened up an early and overwhelmingly convincing lead. While the race isn't over, it's hard to see a path for the nomination for anyone other than Secretary Benson. 131
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 21/06/2025Happy Summer Solstice! The longest day and the shortest night of the year marks the beginning of summer. Living on the western edge of the time zone and in the north, Michigan is uniquely fortunate to have these amazing late summer nights. Have a great summer, Michiganders! 120
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 21/06/2025I can’t be at the Grand Rapids Pride Festival this year (I’m out of state for a family emergency). We wrote a wonderful tribute and my colleagues will be presenting it to the Pride Center today on Calder Plaza at around 3:00 pm. Enjoy Pride! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ 060
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 20/06/2025In Kent County and across Michigan, families rely on Medicaid, SNAP food benefits & Medicare to get basic needs like health care, groceries and long-term care. Michigan Republicans want to gut these programs. That would be devastating to our neighbors. You know me: I’m fighting for people! 0124
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 19/06/2025Happy Freedom Day! #Juneteenth is a time to honor the suffering and struggle of those who were enslaved in our country, commemorate the end of slavery, and rededicate ourselves to the ongoing multiracial struggle for basic fairness, racial equity and social justice in America. #FreedomDay 000
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 14/06/2025Huge crowd at the No Kings Rally in Grand Rapids! Come on down to Ab-Nab-Awen Park. We’re here until noon. 050
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 12/06/2025Michigan House Republicans rammed through their education budget yesterday after introducing the bills only a few hours earlier in the dead of night. These bills are horrible for our schools and kids & are a complete embarrassment to responsible budgeting. Here's what they do: 🧵 100
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 01/06/2025Michigan is for Everyone! Happy #PrideMonth! 🏳️🌈 🏳️⚧️ 220
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 26/05/2025I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom. — A. Lincoln 020
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 17/05/2025🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨 Michigan House Republicans are planning to "defund the DNR into oblivion" -- closing our state parks this summer and beyond. Democrats are fighting back to keep our beloved parks -- from Saugatuck Dunes to Belle Isle to Mackinac Island -- open for the people. 195
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 11/05/2025Happy Mother's Day, Mom! You're aces. And, to all the moms, stepmoms, grandmas, and nurturing women in our lives -- Thanks and Have a Great Day! 031
Phil Skaggs @philskaggs.bsky.social · 07/05/2025Today, I introduced a bill to forever commemorate May 8th as Victory in Europe Day in Michigan. At a time when fascism is again rearing its ugly head, we should celebrate when a heroic generation of Americans united and joined with our Allies to defeat Nazi Germany. 092