Pamela brings 25 years of invaluable experience as a public health expert and a dedicated advocate for environmental justice. Her career has been marked by transformative achievements and a resolute commitment to improving the lives and livelihoods of everyday Michiganders.
Pamela Pugh has lived in Michigan's 8th congressional district for 52 years. She was born in Newton, Mississippi but at the age of one year old, her family moved to the Great Lakes Bay region where she lived in Carrollton, Michigan. At the age of 15 years old, her family moved to the City of Saginaw.
Pamela attended Saginaw High School and went on to received both a Doctor of Public Health and Master of Science from the University of Michigan after earning her B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Florida A&M University, Florida’s only publicly-funded Historically Black College and University. Driven by her commitment to public service, her journey as an engineer, scientist, and researcher to the president of the Michigan State Board of Education exemplifies her unwavering commitment to fighting for the people.
During her fourteen-year tenure at the Saginaw County Health Department, Pamela distinguished herself by forging effective partnerships with community organizations, faith-based groups, academia, policymakers, and local and state government. Through these collaborations, she secured millions in funding to tackle critical environmental health and health equity issues. Notably, Pamela played a pivotal role in the fight against childhood lead poisoning in Michigan, successfully reducing elevated blood lead levels in Saginaw children.
Pamela’s dedication to justice and freedom is evident in her unwavering support for communities in need. She stood alongside the residents of Flint during one of the worst man-made water crises in recent history after being appointed as the Chief Public Health Advisor in response to the Flint Water Crisis. As a member of the Michigan State Board of Education, she stood alongside Detroit schoolchildren in the Right to Literacy Lawsuit urging the State to guarantee students’ fundamental right to an education with access to teachers, books, and schools that are not crumbling.
Dr. Pamela Pugh is recognized as a prominent leader who fearlessly champions social justice causes. Pamela’s outstanding contributions have garnered national recognition, including two Dr. Montague Cobb Awards from the NAACP for her achievements in social justice, health education and promotion, fundraising, and research. She remains dedicated to advocating for underfunded communities and addressing exposure risks, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, Dr. Pamela Pugh seeks to represent the great people of Mid-Michigan in the United States House of Representatives. Her candidacy stems from a deep-rooted belief in standing up for the people by fighting for our democracy, our children, and our future. Having held leadership positions in organizations such as the National Federation of Democratic Women and the Michigan Democratic Women’s Caucus, she is passionate about fostering the participation of women and young adults in the political process. Dr. Pugh has organized conferences and roundtables on critical issues, including women’s rights, social justice, climate, energy, and the environment.
As our U.S. Congressperson, Dr. Pugh will continue her lifelong mission of bringing people together to confront our most pressing challenges. From safeguarding a woman’s right to choose to advocating for genuine economic security for Michigan’s workers, and from combating the climate crisis to ensuring every child’s access to a quality education, Dr. Pugh possesses the expertise and experience to effect meaningful change in Washington, D.C.