MEET TYJUAN THIRDGILL:
A COMPASSIONATE, EXPERIENCED LEADER
A COMPASSIONATE LEADER AND EXPERIENCED PUBLIC SERVANT:
In 2020 TyJuan was elected to serve on the Delhi Township Board of Trustees. When he was elected he was the first African American elected to serve on the Delhi Township Board and the youngest person ever elected to serve on the board as well. As a Township Trustee TyJuan focused on listening to the needs of the community and ensuring that he let the voices and wishes of the residents who elected him guide his decisions as a trustee.
A COMMUNITY ORGANIZER AND FRONTLINE FIGHTER:
TyJuan has spent the last 3.5 years as an Organizing Manager for Reproductive Freedom for All where he has fought to protect and expand access to abortion and other reproductive rights not just here in Michigan but across the country. Before his time at Reproductive Freedom for All TyJuan spent time helping democrats up and down the ballot across the State of Michigan, and in Wisconsin, Arizona, Nevada and so many more states.
DEDICATED FAMILY MAN, UNCLE, AND FIANCE:
In 2023 TyJuan got engaged to the love of his life Emily Nguyen and just four months later they became the temporary guardians to TyJuan's three amazing nieces. The transition from fun uncle and to a more parental role changed the lives of TyJuan and Emily but for the better. My family centers me every day and are a constant reminder about why I am in this race.
A KID FROM HARDWORK AND HUMBLE BEGINNINGS:
TyJuan Thirdgill is a product of the South Side of Chicago, raised in a working-class family where nothing came easy and every dollar mattered. He did not grow up wealthy and understands firsthand the pressure of rising gas prices and grocery bills because his family lived that reality every day. As one of the older siblings, he stepped up early to help take care of his brothers and sisters, making sure they were supported, guided, and looked after when times were tough. His upbringing shaped a deep sense of responsibility, resilience, and empathy, giving him a real understanding of the struggles many families face and the determination it takes to push through them.
AN AVID MICHIGAN STATE SPARTAN AND FOOTBALL FAN:
GO GREEN! GO WHITE! TyJuan is an avid sports fan. He bleeds green and white for our Michigan State Spartans. When he's not out in the community volunteering his time helping others or spending it with his family, you can often catch him watching Spartan football or basketball on TV. TyJuan has also been a big fan of NFL football ever since he was a kid growing up and have a deep love of the game.
MY STORY
TyJuan Thirdgill is a dedicated community activist and organizer. He grew up in Englewood, a neighborhood located on the South Side of Chicago; he sought to emulate his mother, who was a tireless advocate for her community. TyJuan was elected to serve on the Delhi Township Board of Trustees in 2020 he was part of a new generation of local leaders focused on equity, accessibility, and direct community support. He was the youngest person elected to serve on this board and the first African American elected to serve. As a public servant TyJuan let his decision be driven by the needs of the community.
Known for his hands-on approach to public service, TyJuan gained attention during the COVID-19 pandemic for personally funding community assistance efforts. He pledged to donate a portion of his annual trustee salary to residents in need and covered transportation costs for individuals seeking vaccines or testing, aiming to remove barriers to healthcare access. Once COVID ended he went on to open this money up to anyone in the community in need.
TyJuan has spent the last decade in Michigan politics working hard to improve the lives of all Michiganders. His experience includes working in the Michigan Senate, where he gained firsthand insight into the legislative process and helped constituents navigate bureaucracy and gain access to state resources. This background has equipped him with the knowledge and relationships necessary to navigate government effectively and deliver real results. For the last three and a half years TyJuan has worked for a reproductive rights organization putting him on the frontlines for the fight to protect access to abortion and other crucial reproductive rights. When Republicans threatened to cut Medicaid he worked in coalition spaces to fight back against these cuts organizing Town Halls, listening tours, sit ins and many other actions to ensure that the representative in Congress knew how these cuts would impact their constituents. As a board member for the Michigan Center for Civic Education he supports efforts to expand civic learning, strengthen democratic engagement, and empower the next generation of informed leaders
When he isn’t working TyJuan enjoys spending time with his three amazing nieces and his fiancee, cooking playing Magic the Gathering. with his friends , or losing what little hair he has left watching his favorite team football.