Lavora Barnes — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

Served as Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party from 2019 to 2025.
First African-American woman and second woman elected to chair the Michigan Democratic Party.
Served as Virginia press secretary for the Bill Clinton 1992 presidential campaign.
Was state director for the Barack Obama 2012 presidential campaign.
Held roles including Chief Operating Officer for the Michigan Democratic Party from 2015 to 2019.
Graduated from the College of William & Mary in 1987.

Biography

Lavora Barnes is an American political executive who served as the chair of the Michigan Democratic Party from 2019 to 2025. She holds the distinction of being the first African-American woman and the second woman elected to this position.

Born in North Carolina and raised in Virginia, Barnes graduated from the College of William & Mary in 1987.