Klinefelt began her political career as a member of the East Detroit School Board, serving for six years.
She then served on the Eastpointe City Council for eight years years, which included terms as Mayor Pro Tem.
[1] She served on the Macomb County Board of Commissioners for ten years.
[2] In 2022, Klinefelt ran against Michael D. MacDonald (who was the incumbent in Michigan's 10th Senate district) in Michigan's 11th Senate district.
[2] Klinefelt defeated MacDonald in the general election with 52.69% of the vote,[3] due to strong support in her native Eastpointe as well as in the Wayne County portion of her district.