Sarah’s working for a better future for our communities.
Meet Sarah
State Rep. Sarah Anthony is serving her second full term representing the 68th House District, which encompasses the city of Lansing and Lansing Township. In November 2018, Anthony was sworn into a partial term after filling a special election, making history as the first African-American woman to serve as state representative in Lansing’s history.
The House Democratic Caucus, having been appointed to that position in 2018 and elected by her colleagues in 2021. In that capacity, she is a member of the House Democratic leadership team in the House of Representatives. She also serves as Vice Chair of the Progressive Women’s Caucus and the First Vice Chair of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus.
During the 100th Legislature, Anthony earned a reputation as a pragmatic, effective legislator, passing multiple bills through the House of Representatives and into law with substantial bipartisan and stakeholder support. A few of her legislative highlights include passing a bill to enact the Michigan ReConnect program, a bill allowing bars and restaurants to serve cocktails to-go in sealed containers, and legislation cracking down on counterfeit airbags. She continues to fight to strengthen education, expand health care, reform our criminal justice system, and improve the economy for working families and small businesses.
She has received numerous awards and recognitions, including being named “Legislator of the Year” by Michigan Works!, “Legislator of the Year” by the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association, recipient of the Lansing NAACP Image Award, and the Michigan College Access Network “ Board of Directors’ Award. She has been profiled in the New Yorker magazine and featured in the New York Times, the Guardian, Essence, and Black Enterprise, and the Washington Post.
Anthony was born and raised in Lansing and graduated from Everett High School on Lansing’s south side. Following graduation, she attended Central Michigan University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in political science and legal studies. Rep. Anthony also went on to earn a Master’s of Public Administration degree from Western Michigan University and was later named a fellow of the University of Michigan’s New Leadership Academy. After graduation, she immediately returned to Lansing to work for former State Rep. Joan Bauer. There, she served as a Legislative Assistant, working closely with Lansing residents to streamline government services and with neighborhoods to connect them to vital improvement services and funds. In 2010 Anthony began her eight years of service as Deputy Director with the Michigan College Access Network.
In 2012, Lansing residents elected her to the Ingham County Board of Commissioners, making her the youngest African American woman to serve in this capacity in the United States. During her time as a commissioner, Anthony served in many leadership positions, including chairing the Democratic Caucus and Finance Committee as well as serving as Chair and Vice Chair of the board. She was a fearless advocate for health care access, social justice, services for senior citizens and working families. Sarah lives in Lansing and enjoys spending time with family, volunteering in community projects, and reading.