About Jim
Rep. Jim DeSana was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in November 2022. He represents the 29th House District, which includes portions of Monroe and Wayne counties, covering parts of Monroe, Taylor, and Romulus, the village of Carleton, the townships of Ash and Huron, and a portion of Frenchtown Township.
Jim earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from the University of Detroit Mercy. He runs a family farm, raising sheep and cattle, and worked for 36 years as a sales representative in the fastener industry. In addition, he serves as an NCAA baseball umpire.
Jim and his wife, Stephanie, have been married for more than 36 years. Together, they have eight children and 14 grandchildren. They live in Ash Township and attend St. Stephen Catholic Church in New Boston.
Public service runs in Jim’s family: his father, James DeSana Sr., represented Monroe County and the Downriver area in the state Senate from 1976 to 1986.
A lifelong Downriver resident, Jim has deep ties to his community. He served on the Heartbeat of Monroe board, chairing the organization’s Walk for Life for two years, and is an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Michigan Right to Life, Michigan Sheep Producers, Michigan Cattlemen’s Association, and the National Rifle Association.
Jim is also highly involved in youth baseball. He coached at St. Mary Catholic Central High School from 2000 to 2009 and currently serves as president of the Michigan Monarchs, a Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League team. Through the Monarchs, he has developed a youth travel baseball organization that provides opportunities for young athletes across the region.