Lee Chatfield
Lee Chatfield (born May 25, 1988) is an American politician and member of the Republican Party who served as the 106th Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives from 2019 to 2020. He represented Michigan’s 107th House District, which includes the eastern Upper Peninsula and parts of the northern Lower Peninsula. Chatfield was one of the youngest Speakers in Michigan history and a prominent conservative voice during his tenure.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Lee Chatfield was born in Levering, Michigan, and raised in a conservative Christian household. He attended Northern Michigan Christian Academy and later graduated from Northland International University, a Christian college in Wisconsin, with a degree in religious studies. Chatfield earned a master’s degree in public policy from Liberty University.
Before entering politics, Chatfield worked as a teacher and athletic director at Northern Michigan Christian Academy, where he coached sports and taught courses on government and history.
Political Career
Chatfield was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2014, representing the 107th District, which includes Cheboygan County, Emmet County, Mackinac County, and parts of Chippewa County. He was re-elected in 2016 and 2018. During his time in the House, Chatfield was known for his strong conservative stance on issues such as gun rights, tax reform, and abortion.
In 2019, Chatfield was elected Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives, succeeding Tom Leonard. As Speaker, Chatfield focused on economic development, deregulation, and workforce development. He also advocated for bipartisan collaboration, particularly on infrastructure and budget issues.
Controversies
Chatfield's political career has been marked by controversy. In 2021, after leaving office, he faced allegations of financial and ethical misconduct related to his campaign finances. Additionally, he was accused of personal misconduct, which led to public scrutiny and investigations. Chatfield denied the allegations, and the investigations remain ongoing.
Personal Life
Lee Chatfield is married to Stephanie Chatfield, and the couple has five children. They reside in Levering. Chatfield has often spoken about his Christian faith and its influence on his political philosophy and leadership style.
Legacy
Chatfield’s tenure as Speaker is noted for his emphasis on conservative policies, including tax cuts and pro-life legislation. However, his career has also been overshadowed by the controversies that emerged after his time in office.
See Also
References
- Michigan Legislature. "Representative Lee Chatfield Biography." [1]
- Detroit Free Press. "Lee Chatfield's Tenure as Speaker," February 2021.
- The Bridge Michigan. "Ethics Questions Surrounding Lee Chatfield," March 2022.
