TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D–Traverse City) announced last week in a social media post that she is taking time away from public duties to focus on her health after undergoing surgery to treat both a recurring brain tumor and a rare form of cancer. Coffia represents the 103rd House District, which comprises Leelanau County, Grand Traverse County and Benzie County.
Coffia, 47, shared the medical news in a statement to constituents, noting that both conditions were caught early and carry a positive prognosis. She underwent surgery at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor on August 12 and reported that the procedures went smoothly.
Coffia thanks medical team, reaffirms commitment to healthcare access.
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“Per doctor’s orders, I’ll be taking some time to rest and heal after my stay at the hospital,” Coffia said. “While I may not be as visible in the state house, and in the community here in northern Michigan, my dedicated legislative team is keeping things moving to serve constituents in my absence. I’ll continue to contribute where I can and remain fully committed to the work you elected me to do. I look forward to returning in full capacity as soon as I’m able.”
Coffia emphasized her gratitude to her medical team, her loved ones, and the advances in healthcare that made her treatment possible. She also reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for access to quality healthcare for all Michiganders once she returns.
Words of encouragement and support.
State Rep. Stephen Wooden (D-Grand Rapids) posted on social media, “While I have only worked with Rep. Coffia for a few months now, if there’s one thing I know about her is she’s a fighter and cancer has no idea who they picked a fight with. Give ’em Hell, Betsy. Heal up and see you on the floor soon enough.
The announcement also drew words of encouragement from across the aisle from State Senator John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs) who said, “Betsy – I am shaken by this news and pray that God will literally reach out and heal you from cancer and remove any remaining vestige of the brain tumor.”
Damoose went on to say, “You have been through this battle for a long time and I pray that this will finally be the last chapter of the sickness and that you can continue on with your life free to cause trouble without this hanging over your head. Get well, my friend, and I look forward to both our future battles and even more to continued collaboration! Stay tough.” Friends and constituents also shared words of encouragement on Coffia’s Facebook page.
From journalism to public service.
Born in Indiana and raised in Rapid City, Michigan, Coffia earned an associate degree from Northwestern Michigan College and later a bachelor’s degree in social work from Ferris State University. She launched her career in journalism at just 19 years old, working as a reporter and weekly newspaper editor for six years. After leaving the newsroom, she returned to school while juggling three jobs, including roles in Traverse City Area Public Schools as a classroom employee and special education assistant. With her degree in hand, she went on to serve as a Head Start social worker.
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Coffia entered politics in 2016, running unsuccessfully against Republican incumbent Larry Inman for the 104th district. Two years later, she won a seat as a Grand Traverse County Commissioner, defeating a long-serving Republican, and was re-elected in 2020. That same year, she underwent surgery to remove a benign brain tumor, an experience that prompted community fundraising support. In 2023, Coffia ran again – this time in the newly redrawn 103rd district – and defeated Republican Jack O’Malley, securing the seat she now holds.
Personal experience propels her forward.
The Michigan House Democrats website explains how that experience led Coffia to run for her current position saying, “In 2020, she was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor and underwent major surgery and months of recovery, with all the high costs and uncertainty that came with it. The experience gave her even further insight into the necessity and importance of access to health care. This experience served as a reminder that so many Michiganders live one emergency away from financial collapse. These experiences have collectively led Rep. Coffia to the Michigan Capitol.”
Coffia has been an active voice on health policy, backing resolutions and bills that range from recognizing Public Health Week to expanding mental health access and updating school health standards. She also co-sponsored a resolution declaring June 3, 2025 as Brain Cancer Awareness Day in the state (HR0119).
Clashes, crossovers, and controversy.
Coffia’s tenure, however, has not been without partisan clashes, including a failed 2023 recall effort over her support for a gun-control measure and her backing of controversial proposals, such as banning face masks for law enforcement.
Coffia has also gone against her own party as she did after the November 2024 elections, voicing frustration with Democratic leadership, expressing discontent with Democratic Speaker Joe Tate for prioritizing large corporate interests over community needs. She said on X: “Don’t back Dems who block or slow walk Dem priorities to protect their corp donors.”
Coffia has also worked across the aisle with Republicans to ensure Traverse City residents have a safe and reliable pedestrian bridge to cross after finding out that the current one was set for removal by the DNR. She also reached out across the aisle in 2022 to help make sure the animal control millage renewal proposal got a vote in Grand Traverse County.
From her start in journalism to roles in social work and now the legislature, Coffia has built a career marked by persistence and resilience – traits that will serve her well as she navigates this latest health challenge and prepares for upcoming challenges in Lansing.
