She is the daughter of a former mayor, military service member and the founders of a local community foundation.

Before her election to the Michigan Senate, Bayer had a successful career in information technology, first as a computer engineer and analyst who found and invented products to solve complex challenges in business.

She chose to leave the private sector in 2009 and launch ardentCause L3C - a small business dedicated to helping nonprofits with information technology needs.

The senator serves on the board of directors for NEW, Solutions for Nonprofits and the SheHive, a women's collective offering programs to empower women. She also cofounded the Michigan Council of Women in Technology, a nonprofit that provides STEM support for girls and women around Michigan, as well as educational programs.

Bayer earned a bachelor's degree in computer science and mathematics from Central Michigan University. She also has a master's in business administration, with distinction, from Lawrence Technological University, and is the recipient of the university's Outstanding Alumna Award.

She and her husband, John, live in Beverly Hills. Their daughter, Erin, is a proud graduate of Lake Orion High School and followed in her mother's footsteps to pursue a STEM career.

District- 12 Terms Elected- 2018 (Senate) Area Represented- Oakland county and includes- Addison Township, Auburn Hills City, Village of Beverly Hills, Village of Bingham Farms, Bloomfield Township, Village of Franklin, Independence Township, Keego Harbor City, Oakland Township, Orion Township, Oxford Township, Pontiac City, Southfield Township, Sylvan Lake City, Village of Clarkston City District- 12 Terms Elected- 2018 (Senate) Area Represented- Oakland county and includes- Addison Township, Auburn Hills City, Village of Beverly Hills, Village of Bingham Farms, Bloomfield Township, Village of Franklin, Independence Township, Keego Harbor City, Oakland Township, Orion Township, Oxford Township, Pontiac City, Southfield Township, Sylvan Lake City, Village of Clarkston City Committees- Appropriations , Appropriations - K-12/MDE, Appropriations - Natural Resources and Environmental Quality, Transportation, Environmental Quality (MVC)