Ken Horn

Ken Horn came from humble beginnings. Born in Detroit to German parents, who fled communist East Germany. As a first-generation American, Ken has come a long way to become one of the staunchest supporters of manufacturing in the Great Lakes Bay region. Ken has lived in Frankenmuth for over 40 years and enjoys spending time with his beautiful family and wonderful grandchildren.

First elected in 1992, Ken was a Saginaw County Commissioner for 16 years before serving in the Michigan House of Representatives for 6 years. Ken served as chairman of the House Energy & Technology Committee.

In 2022, Ken saw the final term in the Michigan Senate come to an end. Ken chaired the Senate Economic and Small Business Development Committee, along with two Senate Appropriations Subcommittees: Capital Outlay and Talent and Economic Development/MEDC.

Ken also served as the vice-chairman of the following committees: Energy and Technology, Education and Career Readiness, and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Universities and Community Colleges. He was also appointed to the Insurance and Banking Committee and Legislative Council.

Ken was instrumental in developing several programs within his time in the House and Senate. Most notable are the Going Pro Talent Fund, Michigan Reconnect, Procurement Technical Assistance program, Autonomous & Roadway funding, Streamline of the Skilled Trades licensing process, Strategic Outreach Attraction and Reserve (SOAR) funding.

Ken has been recognized by various organizations around the state, see list below. After receiving his Michigan Manufacturers Association Legislator of the year award on September 14, 2002, in Lansing, Senator Horn said, “Manufacturing remains the backbone of our economy. It puts Michigan on the map and provides jobs for thousands of our hardest working residents.” “My top priorities have always been keeping jobs here in Michigan and growing our economy.”

Ken holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Concordia University in Ann Arbor. He has completed Michigan State’s Michigan Political Leadership Program, Leadership Saginaw County, and the Saginaw County Vision 2020 One Thousand Leaders Initiative. In 2022, Ken was bestowed Saginaw Valley State University Honorary Doctor of Laws degree.

Michigan Manufacturers Association - Legislator of the Year: 2010, 2015, 2018, 2019, and 2022

Michigan Economic Development Corporation Medalist of the Year: 2022

Great Lakes Bay Regional Chamber Summit/Partners in Growth Individual Achievement Award: 2022

Michigan Disability Network Legislator of the Year: 2022 

Michigan Economic Development Corporation Legislator of the Year: 2020 

Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association Legislator of the Year: 2019 

Michigan Works Legislator of the Year: 2019

Detroit Regional Chamber/Michigan Auto Legislator of the Year: 2016