Ray
Pooley
Ray Pooley, Democratic challenger and CNC machinist, is running for Michigan's 9th Congressional District in 2026.
- sources
- 6
- positions
- 11
- endorsements
- 2
Background
Ray Pooley is the Democratic challenger running for Michigan's 9th Congressional District in the November 3, 2026, general election, facing Republican incumbent Lisa McClain. 35
Pooley describes himself as a CNC machinist and programmer, and as a third-generation manufacturer. His campaign biography notes that he grew up in a rural area near farms and a cider mill, and an official county candidate list places his address in Highland, Michigan. 413
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the largest federal employee union, endorsed Pooley's candidacy in October 2026. 1 No prior elected offices are identified in his campaign biography, FEC record, or coverage reviewed. 345
At a glance
- Party
- Democratic
- Running for
- U.S. House · District 9, Michigan
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
- Current office
- CNC machinist and programmer
- Website
- pooley4congress.com(opens in a new tab)
Where they stand
Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.
Timeline
- Oct 8endorsementAFGE, the largest federal employee union, endorses Ray Pooley for Michigan's 9th District
The American Federation of Government Employees announced its endorsement of Pooley, describing him as a third-generation manufacturer and CNC machinist. The union's statement quoted its own official regarding the endorsement.
Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses Michigan's Ray ... · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 6newsRay Pooley speaks at Port Huron campaign event alongside Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed
Pooley appeared at a joint campaign event at McMorran Theatre in Port Huron, speaking before U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed. The event was covered by The Times Herald in a photo report and was not a debate.
Scenes from Abdul El-Sayed Port Huron campaign stop · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Aug 4filingRay Pooley advances unopposed in Democratic primary for Michigan's 9th District
Pooley ran unopposed in the Democratic primary and became the party's nominee for Michigan's 9th Congressional District. The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
MI-09 House race 2026 | Smarter.Vote · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Endorsements
- United Auto Workers (UAW) unionPooley's campaign website states 'Endorsed by UAW.' No UAW local or announcement date is provided. pooley4congress.com
- American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) unionAFGE announced its endorsement of Pooley for Michigan's 9th District. District 7 National Vice President Jason Anderson stated: 'Michigan's working families deserve leaders who will fight for good union jobs, fair wages, and strong public services – not corporate interests.' afge.org · Oct 8, 2026
Campaign finance
Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.
- Raised
- $8,084
- Spent
- $3,142
- Cash on hand
- $4,942
As of Jul 15, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record H6MI09245(opens in a new tab)
Sources 6
- [1] Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses Michigan's Ray ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
- [2] MI-09 House race 2026 | Smarter.Vote(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
- [3] Scenes from Abdul El-Sayed Port Huron campaign stop(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
- [4] Ray Pooley(opens in a new tab) Oct 4, 2026
- [5] The Issues org(opens in a new tab) Sep 21, 2026
- [6] Ray Pooley for U.S. House of Representatives(opens in a new tab) Jul 7, 2026