Here's everyone running for office in Ottawa County for the 2026 November general election

OTTAWA COUNTY — In a midterm election year, local residents can see several choices as to who represents them in local, state and federal government — and 2026 is no exception.

This year is shaping up to have several competitive races.

Here's a list of who's running in federal, state and local races, and a list of countywide and local proposals for voters to consider.

Some races and proposals are specific to a geographical area.

• To generate a sample ballot: mvic.sos.state.mi.us/PublicBallot/Index
• Questions on who is running and FAQs about elections, absentee ballots and results: miottawa.org/clerk/elections/november-3-2026

NOTE: The symbol (i) indicates that the candidate is the incumbent.

Federal-level races

U.S. Senate (1 6-year term)

• Democrat:
  • Abdul El-Sayed: A physician and former Detroit Health Department director, El-Sayed is running on a progressive platform centered around "Medicare for All." He also served as Wayne County health director from 2023 to 2025. He ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2018. Learn more at Abdul El-Sayed for Senate.
• Republican:
  • Mike Rogers: A former FBI agent and U.S. congressman, Rogers’ platform centers on conservative, America-first policies with a heavy emphasis on the economy, national security and domestic manufacturing. He previously ran for U.S. Senate in 2024, losing to Elissa Slotkin. Learn more at Mike Rogers for U.S. Senate.

U.S. House of Representatives:

Michigan's Third District (1 2-year term):

• Democrat:
  • Hillary Scholten (i): Scholten clerked for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, specializing in immigration law. She later joined the U.S. Department of Justice as an attorney adviser for the Board of Immigration Appeals (2013-2017), where she worked on federal immigration policy during the Obama Administration. She was elected to the Third District seat in 2022 as the first woman and first Democrat to represent the district. She has a moderate-to-progressive platform focused on commonsense solutions, economic opportunity and civil rights. Learn more at Hillary Scholten for Congress.
• Republican:
  • Terri DeBoer: A television meteorologist for more than 30 years, DeBoer's platform centers on restoring fiscal responsibility, requiring upfront pricing from health insurance companies, securing the border and asserting parental rights. Learn more at Terri DeBoer | Join the Movement Today.

Michigan's Fourth District (1 2-year term):

• Democrats:
  • Sean McCann: A state senator since 2019, McCann previously served as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives (2011-2014). His platform focuses on reducing the costs of goods and services, expanding Medicaid, expanding green energy to wind down fossil fuel dependency, and increasing funding for public education. Learn more at Sean McCann for Congress.
• Republicans:
  • Bill Huizenga (i): Huizenga is the co-owner and operator of Huizenga Gravel Co., a family business in Jenison. First elected in 2010, he has served in the House for 15 years. His platform includes lowering costs of goods and services, pro-life policies, advocating for the agriculture sector, securing the border, and expanding fossil fuel development within the U.S. Learn more at Huizenga for Congress.

State-level races

Governor (1 4-year term)

The governor's race is shaping up to be one of the most high-stakes and competitive contests in the country. Because current Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, is term-limited, the seat is completely open, drawing a crowded and high-profile field of contenders.

• Democrat:
  • Jocelyn Benson: The current Michigan secretary of state is the clear frontrunner in fundraising and polling as of early May. Her platform centers on government accountability, protecting voting rights, lowering daily living costs, and boosting public school performance. Learn more at Jocelyn Benson for Governor.
• Republican:
  • John James: The current U.S. representative in Michigan's 10th District is the leading frontrunner in GOP polling and fundraising. His platform focuses on eliminating the state income tax, parental rights in education, and boosting teacher pay. Learn more at John James for Michigan.

Attorney General (1 4-year term)

• Democrat:
  • Eli Savit: Savit has served as the Washtenaw County prosecutor since 2021. Savit maintains an appointment as a lecturer at the University of Michigan Law School, where he teaches classes on public interest litigation and state and local government. His progressive platform focuses on consumer and worker protection, corporate accountability, and civil rights. Learn more at Eli Savit for Attorney General.
• Republican:
  • Doug Lloyd: Lloyd has served as the Eaton County prosecutor since 2013 and is a former president of the Michigan Prosecutors Association. His platform centers on three core pillars: fair prosecution without political bias, protecting constitutional rights, and defending Michigan’s sovereignty. Learn more at Doug Lloyd Attorney General.

Secretary of State (1 4-year term)

• Democrat:
  • Garlin Gilchrist II: The current lieutenant governor — the first Black person elected to the role — Gilchrist has a background as a software engineer and later served as chief information officer for the city of Detroit. His platform centers around bringing more transparency in political donations, modernizing license plate registrations and protecting voters' personal information. Learn more at Garlin Gilchrist for Michigan.
• Republican:
  • Anthony Forlini: Forlini is the owner of Design Financial Inc. A former state representative (2011-2016), he ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2016. Forlini has served as the Macomb County clerk since 2021. His platform centers around eliminating the Electronic Registration Information Center, requiring watermarked ballots, improving election worker training, and auditing county clerks. Learn more at Anthony G. Forlini.
• Green Party:
  • Eric Borregard: Borregard is a multimedia company owner and teacher who previously ran unsuccessfully for Michigan's 22nd District state senate seat in 2018. Borregard prioritizes environmental protection, as well as removing corporate interests from government.

State Board of Education (2 8-year terms)

• Democrats:
  • Tiffany Tilley (i): First elected to the board in 2018, Tilley has advocated for strong public schools, equitable educational opportunities, literacy, student well-being, educator retention and recruitment, and support for students and families. She holds an MBA from U of D Mercy, and is currently pursuing her PhD in Global Leadership and Change. Learn more at votetiffanytilley.com.
  • Judith Pritchett (i): First elected to the board in 2018, Pritchett served as an educator and administrator for over 25 years in public education serving many communities in Macomb County including Utica Community Schools, Mount Clemens Community Schools, and Center Line Public Schools. She earned her Bachelor of Arts, Master of Curriculum and Instruction; Education Specialist in Curriculum and Leadership and Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Oakland University. Learn more here.
• Republicans:
  • Terence Collins: Terence Collins is a Grosse Pointe Park resident and lifelong Michigander who grew up in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, and graduated from the University of Detroit (Mercy). He was appointed to the Grosse Pointe Public Schools Board of Education in 2023. Learn more at mi.gop/terence-collins.
  • Bree Moeggenberg: Bree Moeggenberg, a Mt. Pleasant resident, is a mother of three and longtime advocate for children and families. She previously worked as a licensed childcare provider and small business owner. She is an advocate of parental involvement, transparency, and age-appropriate instruction. Learn more mi.gop/bree-moeggenberg.
• Libertarian:
  • Charles Essner: No information available.
• U.S. Taxpayers:
  • Christine C. Schwartz: No information available.
  • William Mohr II: No information available.
• Green:
  • Wissam Charafeddine: Charafeddine is a resident of Dearborn and blogger. He advocates for computer science for all, rigorous teacher-led ed-tech standards, family engagement and sustainability and green values. Learn more at wissamc.com/about.
• Working Class:
  • Mary Anne Hering: Hering lives in Dearborn. Learn more at workingclassfight.com.
• Natural Law:
  • Kelli Monroe: No information available.

University of Michigan Regents (2 8-year terms)

• Democrats:
  • Amir Makled: Makled is a Dearborn-based civil rights attorney who has criticized the University’s treatment of campus activists and reaction toward President Donald Trump’s administration — which he believes has been too compliant. Learn more at amirmakled.com.
  • Paul Brown (i): Brown, a progressive Democrat, is running for a second term. He earned his B.A. and M.B.A. from the university and his J.D. from Wayne State University. He worked under the Granholm Administration, serving as vice president of Capital Markets at the Michigan Economic Development Corp. Paul was appointed by President Joe Biden to serve on the US Treasury's Small Business Administration Lending Advisory Council. He supports diverting more funds to satellite campuses in Flint and Dearborn and is a critic of Work Connections, a program the university uses to manage requests for sick leave and workers' compensation that has come under fire for reportedly ignoring medical recommendations from physicians and mistreating employees. Learn more at gobluevotebrown.com.
• Republicans:
  • Lena Epstein: Lena Epstein is co-owner and a top executive of Vesco Oil Corp., a leading petroleum supplier based in Michigan. She served as President Donald Trump's Michigan campaign co-chair. Learn more at mi.gop/lena-epstein.
  • Michael Schostak: Schostak is a University of Michigan graduate, who was first elected to the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees in November 2016 and re-elected in November 2020 and 2024. He is currently the township treasurer. He has been a precinct delegate for over 12 years and served as the administrative vice chair of the Michigan Republican Party in 2022-23. Learn more at mi.gop/michael-schostak.
• Libertarian:
  • Andrew Chadderdon: A graduate of U-M, Chadderdon is a proponent of constitutional rights, including that the university support the First Amendment, the right to keep and bear arms recognized under the Second Amendment, and the privacy protections guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment. Learn more at lp.org/candidate/andrew-chadderdon.
• U.S. Taxpayers:
  • Kyle Maas: No information available.

Michigan State University Trustee (2 8-year terms)

• Democrats:
  • Kelly Tebay Zemke (i): First elected in 2018, Tebay Zemke is a graduate of MSU, earning a BA in International Relations, with a specialization in Muslim studies. She has worked as a professional fundraiser, then pursued a master's degree in law enforcement intelligence and analysis from MSU. Learn more at kellyformsu.com.
  • Brianna Scott (i): First elected in 2018, Scott received her bachelor’s from Michigan State University (Eli Broad College of Business) and her Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University Law School. After graduating from law school, she was hired as the first African American assistant prosecutor in the Muskegon County Prosecutor’s office, and in 2005 opened her law firm, Brianna T. Scott & Associates, PLLC, in Muskegon, Michigan. Learn more at brianna4msu.com.
• Republicans:
  • Julie Maday: A Novi resident, Maday graduated from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. She has served on the Novi City Council as well as the city's planning commission and currently sits on Novi's Economic Development Committee. She supports restoring stability, accountability, and transparency. Learn more at mi.gop/julie-maday.
  • Roger Victory: Victory is a current state senator representing Michigan's 31st District, which encompasses parts of Ottawa and Allegan counties. He is the owner and operator of Victory Farms – a fourth-generation family farm in West Michigan – and has served in an advisory role supporting agricultural programming at MSU for many years. Learn more at rogervictoryformsu.com.
• Libertarian:
  • Daniel R. Patterson: No information available.
  • Will Tyler White: White is a Bath Township resident who has previously served on several economic-related boards and bodies in Meridian Township, Okemos and Bath. Learn more at willtylerwhite.org.
• U.S. Taxpayers:
  • Janet Sanger: Janet Sanger previously ran unsuccessfully for Michigan State University trustee in two elections. No additional information available.
  • John Sanger: John Sanger currently works as an attorney in private practice. He also works as a technical specialist and certified public accountant. No additional information available.
• Green:
  • John Anthony La Pietra: A Marshall resident, La Pietra earned a bachelor's degree in planning and public administration from Macalester College and a law degree from Cooley Law School. He has worked in government, for nonprofits, and in the private sector. La Pietra previously ran for Michigan secretary of state in 2010. No additional information available.
• Working Class:
  • Yaz Ozbek: No information available.

Wayne State University Governors (2 8-year terms)

• Democrats:
  • Richard Mack: A union-side labor and civil rights attorney for the last 28 years, Mack specializes in employment law and contracts. He advocates Learn more at richardmackforwsu.com.
  • Shereef Akeel: An Oakland County resident, Akeel studied economics at the University of Michigan. He supports affordability and access, diversity practices and academic excellence. Learn more at akeelforwsu.com.
• Republicans:
  • Andy Anuzis: For the past 13 years, Anuzis has worked in public education with Cornerstone Schools in downtown Detroit, serving as president of the Cornerstone network. For the last five years, he has served as principal of Lincoln-King High School, a charter school in Detroit. He supports practical leadership, educational experience and a steady, principled, common-sense voice in university governance. Learn more at andyforwaynestate.com.
  • Christa Murphy: Murphy has a degree in mathematics from Wayne State, a master's degree in information technology from Carnegie Mellon, and an MBA from Michigan Ross. She has worked in technology strategy at Meta, Samsung and General Motors. She is an advocate for fiscal discipline, workforce development and upward socioeconomic mobility. Learn more at murphyforwaynestate.com.
• Libertarian:
  • Alex Avery: A Hudsonville resident, Avery has an associate's degree in business administration from Northwestern Michigan College and a bachelor's degree in business administration with a focus in marketing from Central Michigan University. He works as a regional sales director for Great Minds and has had previous positions at McGraw Hill Education as a district manager and sales representative, as an industrial accounts manager for BioSolutions, and as an account executive for New Horizons Computer Learning Centers. No additional information available.
  • Jami Van Alstine: Van Alstine is a Wayne County resident and has worked in information technology supporting Michigan's automotive industry for more than two decades. She has a B.A. in anthropology from Oregon State University and an M.A. in historical archaeology from WSU. Learn more at jrv411th.wixsite.com/home.
• U.S. Taxpayers:
  • Jeff McDonald: No information available.
• Green:
  • Paul M. Ragan: No information available.
• Working Class:
  • Suzanne Roehrig: Roehrig studied education and library science and has worked as a teacher and librarian in Detroit and Ferndale. No additional information available.
• Natural Law:
  • Kathleen Oakford: No information available.

Justice of the Supreme Court (2 8-year terms)

Non-partisan

• Michael Warren: Warren has served on the Oakland County Circuit Court since 2002. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School (cum laude) and Wayne State University (Honors History). He serves as a business law professor at Wayne State University and has taught constitutional law at Western Michigan University Cooley Law School. Learn more at judgemichaelwarren.com.
• Casandra Morse-Bills: Morse-Bills currently serves as presiding judge in the 23rd Judicial Circuit — one of the largest geographic circuits in Michigan, spanning four counties: Alcona, Arenac, Iosco, and Oscoda. She presides over cases in the Probate, District, and Circuit Courts, handling everything from family and probate matters to complex civil and criminal cases. First elected to the bench in 2018, Judge Morse-Bills was re-elected in 2024. Learn more at mi.gop/casandra-morse-bills.
• Jody White: A Livonia resident, White attended Madonna University. No additional information available.
• Thomas W. Howe: No information available.
• Noah P. Hood (i): A native Detroiter, Hood is a graduate of Cass Technical High School in Detroit, Yale College and Harvard Law School. First appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in April 2025, Hood previously worked as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of Michigan and Northern District of Ohio, and as a litigation associate at Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone.
• Megan Kathleen Cavanagh (i): Cavanagh, a Lansing native, earned a degree in environmental engineering from the University of Michigan and a law degree from Wayne State University Law School. First elected in November 2018, she practiced appellate law in Detroit and previously worked in environmental consulting. Learn more at cavanaghforjustice.com.

Judge of the Court of Appeals (2 6-year terms)

Non-partisan

• Mark T. Boonstra (i): Boonstra was appointed to the Michigan Court of Appeals by Gov. Rick Snyder in March 2012. From 2015 to 2017, he concurrently served as a trial judge on the Michigan Court of Claims. Before his appointment, he was a senior principal in a large law firm, where he practiced law for nearly 27 years, including serving as a deputy chair of the firm's litigation practice group and as cochair of its appellate practice section. No additional information available.
• Daniel S. Korobkin (i): Korobkin was appointed to the Court of Appeals by Whitmer in 2025. Prior to joining the court, he was an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan for over 16 years, including five years as legal director. He was co-chair of the State Bar of Michigan’s Access to Justice Policy Committee, and has taught classes at the University of Michigan Law School and Wayne State University Law School. He has a law degree from Yale Law School and a B.A. in philosophy. He lives in Ann Arbor. No additional information available.

State Senate

30th District (1 4-year term):

• Democrat:
  • Carol Glanville: Glanville has been a state representative since 2022, currently representing Michigan's 84th District (Kent County). Her platform includes properly funding public schools, cutting family and retirement taxes, and improving healthcare and research. Learn more at voteglanville.com.
• Republican:
  • Mark Huizenga (i): Huizenga served in the Michigan House from 2019-2021, when he was elected to the state Senate. Huizenga has a bachelor's in business administration from Calvin University and a master’s degree in management from Aquinas College. He owns a management consulting firm. Learn more at senatormarkhuizenga.com.

31st District (1 4-year term):

• Democrat:
  • Chris Kleinjans: Kleinjans is a U.S. Navy veteran who works as the community impact officer of housing for the Allegan County Community Foundation. Kleinjans is best known for winning a special May 2024 recall election against Ottawa Impact Republican Lucy Ebel on the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners. He narrowly lost re-election in November that year to moderate Republican Jordan Jorritsma. Kleinjans also made headlines in June 2024 when he sued current Ottawa County Commissioner Joe Moss for demanding that Kleinjans' employer, Michigan State University Extension Office, fire the Democrat over political differences. The county settled with Kleinjans for $112,500 in December; his claim against MSUE remains ongoing. Learn more at kleinjansformichigan.com.
• Republican:
  • John Wetzel: Wetzel is a graduate of Grand Valley State University with a degree in business and information systems, later founding Pure POS Inc., a Michigan-based hospitality company. His platform includes cutting taxes to encourage business, shoring up election integrity, affordable housing and expanding schools of choice. Learn more at wetzel4michigan.com.

State House

43rd District (1 2-year term):

• Democrat:
  • Alan Swank: A semi-retired associate professor of management, organization and leadership, Swank is a retired journeyman tool and die maker and welder as well as a U.S. Air Force veteran. His platform includes fighting for independent repair shops' "right to repair" without depending on manufacturers, advocating for LGBTQA+ rights and working on kitchen table issues. Learn more at alanswankformichigan43.com.
• Republican:
  • Rachelle Smit (i): Smit has served in the Michigan House since 2023, previously serving Allegan County's Martin Township clerk for seven years. Her platform includes shoring up election integrity, fighting against "woke" education policies, and defending the country's borders. Learn more at smitforstaterep.com. 

85th District (1 2-year term):

• Democrat:
  • Richard Abraham: Abraham's platform includes creating more efficiencies for bills to progress through the House, improving campaign finance policies, and expanding the Freedom of Information Act to include the governor's office and members of the Legislature. Learn more at abrahamfor85.com.
• Republican:
  • Bradley Slagh (i): Slagh has served in the Michigan House since 2019 and is seeking a fifth term. He previously served as the Ottawa County treasurer and as Zeeland Township supervisor. His platform includes investing in roads and other infrastructure, having a balanced budget for the state and making energy more affordable. Learn more at slaghformichigan.com.

86th District (1 2-year term):

• Democrat:
  • Joseph McClusky: A graduate of Hope College, McClusky has worked on a variety of political campaigns, including congressional and state House races. His platform includes affordable housing and healthcare, campaign finance reform, increased government transparency and more funding for literacy and education. Learn more at mccluskyformi.com.
• Republican:
  • Nancy DeBoer (i): DeBoer has served in the Michigan House since 2023 and is seeking a third term. A former teacher, she previously served on Holland City Council and as the mayor of Holland for four years. Her platform includes pro-life policies, protecting the Second Amendment, and expanding access to childcare for families. Learn more at nancydeboer.com.

88th District (1 2-year term):

• Democrat:
  • Kiel Reid: Reid owns The Griffin's Nest, a retail gaming store in downtown Muskegon. His platform includes lowering utility bills and making housing more affordable, as well as building more affordable housing and providing training for workers to gain employment. Learn more at kielreid.com.
• Republican:
  • Greg VanWoerkom (i): VanWoerkom has served in the Michigan House since 2019 and is seeking a fifth term. He has a bachelor’s degree from Calvin College and a master’s degree in political leadership from George Washington University. His platform includes local control of education, proactive economic policies, protecting the environment, and ensuring election integrity. Learn more at votevanwoerkom.com.

89th District (1 2-year term):

• Democrat:
  • Meegan Zickus: Zickus is a bioethics professor at Grand Valley State University; she is also an attorney. She previously served on the Allendale Public Schools Board of Education and on the Allendale Township Planning Commission. Her platform includes advocating for accessible healthcare and creating compassionate public policy. Learn more at zickusfor89th.com.
• Republican:
  • Joe Moss: Moss has served as an Ottawa County commissioner since 2023. Under his leadership as chair of the board in 2023-24, the county was sued a total of seven times — from age discrimination and religious discrimination to wrongful termination — which cost the county millions in settlements and internal legal costs. He was personally named in a lawsuit filed by Kleinjans for political retaliation, which ended when the county paid Kleinjans $112,500. His platform includes parental rights, creating a statewide DOGE system, advocating for constitutional freedoms and repealing Public Act 233, which allows large-scale wind, solar, and energy storage projects to be approved by the state rather than local municipalities. Learn more at joemoss.com.

County-level races

Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees

(2 6-year positions)

• Brandy Lovelady Mitchell (i): Mitchell was elected to the GRCC board of trustees on Nov. 4, 2020, for a term that runs from Jan. 1, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2026. She is deputy superintendent of Preschool-12 Learning and Leadership for the Grand Rapids Public Schools. She began her career at what is now Kent County’s Network 180, connecting children and families to mental health and substance abuse services. Learn more at grcc.edu/faculty-staff/directory/brandy-lovelady-mitchell.
• Jamie Gordon (i): Gordon was appointed to the Board of Trustees in May 2026 for a term ending Dec. 31, 2026. She is the executive director of human resources for Kentwood Public Schools. Prior to her current role, she worked 23 years to Grand Rapids Public Schools, serving in a variety of key educational and leadership positions. Learn more at grcc.edu/faculty-staff/directory/jamie-gordon.
• Tim Russ: Russ is a public servant, community organizer and Michigan Education Association representative who has been involved in local politics and education advocacy in the Grand Rapids area. He has a background in grassroots organizing, public service, and community outreach, and serves as second vice chair for the Grand Rapids Township Democrats.

Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees

(1 partial term that expires Dec. 31, 2030)

• Adriana Almanza: For the past 16 years, Almanza has worked in education, human resources and employee experience initiatives, and community impact. Twelve of those years were spent working in the K-12 and higher education space. No additional information was available.

Judge of the 20th Circuit Court

(1 6-year position)

• Jon Hulsing (i): Hulsing has served as judge for the 20th Circuit Court in Ottawa County since 2006. His docket consists of both criminal and civil cases. He has been the Chief Judge pro tem since 2016. In 2018, he was elected by all of Michigan’s circuit court judges to be their representative on the commission. In addition to six years of private law practice, Hulsing served as an assistant and senior assistant prosecutor in Ottawa County from 1995 to 2006. In 1983, he began his public service career as a deputy with the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, then as a patrolman with the Wyoming Police Department. He previously served as a member and committee co-chair of the Michigan Judges Association. He graduated summa cum laude with a law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and has a Bachelor of Science degree from Grand Valley State University. No additional information was available.

Judge of the 58th District Court

(2 6-year positions)

• Juanita F. Bocanegra (i): Raised in Texas and Michigan, Bocanegra graduated from West Ottawa High School in 1993. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations in 1997 at Grand Valley State University. Bocanegra began working as a legal assistant at Hann Persinger, P.C. in Holland. She continued working while pursuing her legal education at Thomas M. Cooley Law School and earned her law degree in 2008. She joined Rhoades McKee in Grand Rapids, first as a law clerk and later as an associate attorney. Her private-practice experience included work in several areas of civil law. In March 2011, Bocanegra entered public service as an assistant prosecuting attorney with the Ottawa County Prosecutor's Office. During nearly a decade as an assistant prosecutor, she handled criminal matters ranging from misdemeanors to serious felony cases. Bocanegra was first elected in 2020. Learn more at juanitaforjudge.com.
• Anna White (i): White grew up in Grand Rapids and is a 2005 graduate from Hope College with a degree in social work and a minor in Spanish. After earning a law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2011, she then worked at Hann Persinger, PC, specializing in criminal defense work, mediation and trial work. Learn more at annawhiteforjudge.com. Appointed to the bench in June 2026 by Gov. Whitmer, White previously worked for seven years with the Ottawa County Public Defender Office. Learn more at annawhiteforjudge.com.
• Paul Ledford: Ledford is a graduate of Coopersville High School, earning his undergraduate degree (magna cum laude) from Northern Michigan University and and his law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School. In 2002, Paul founded Ledford & Associates and specializes in civil litigation, criminal matters, business and real estate law, probate and appellate work. Learn more at paulledfordforjudge.com.

Local-level races

Spring Lake Village

Village president (1 2-year position)

• Mark A. Powers (i)

Village Council member (3 4-year positions)

• Michael Cadieux (i)
• Lesley Van Leeuwen-Vega (i)
• Daniel Abbott (i)

Crockery Township

Trustee (2 partial terms)

• David J. Willis
• John VanDoorn

Polkton Charter Township

Clerk (1 partial term)

• Jamie Ten Brink

Robinson Township

Clerk (1 partial term)

• Steven A. Lewis

Zeeland Charter Township

Supervisor (1 partial term)

• Dan Kerkstra

Clerk (1 partial term)

• Brian VanDussen (i)

Trustee (1 partial term)

• John Shrauger (i)

School boards

Non-partisan

Allendale Public Schools

3 6-year positions

• David Rhodea
• Troy Lampen
• Dirk D. Kraai
• Scott MacDonald
• Matthew Engel
• Kevin Holstege (i)
• Paul DeLeeuw

Coopersville Public Schools

3 6-year positions

• Lloyd Hemstreet
• Ryan Post (i)
• Geoff Twietmeyer (i)
• Jill Buth (i)

Fruitport Community Schools

3 4-year positions

• Dave Hazekamp (i)
• Steve Kelly (i)
• J.B. Meeuwenberg (i)

Grand Haven Area Public Schools

3 6-year positions

• Steve Daitch
• Abby Reenders Emmerich
• Zach Winterhalter
• Michael D. Secrest
• Marc Eickholt (i)
• Heather Herrygers (i)
• Elaine D. Ebel

1 partial term that expires Dec. 31, 2028

• Brook Bisonet (i)
• Roberta J. Nauta

Grandville Public Schools

3 6-year positions

• Nick Brock
• Gregory D. Warsen
• Amy Campbell (i)
• Roger Whisman
• Emily Berlin

Hamilton Community Schools

3 6-year positions

• Morgan Maul (i)
• Deb Brower (i)
• Chris Poll (i)

Holland Public Schools

2 6-year positions

• Rebekah Schipper (i)
• Mark Woltman (i)

1 partial term that expires on Dec. 31, 2028

• Martin Veliz (i)

Hudsonville Public Schools

2 6-year positions

• Ken Hall (i)
• Dawn L. Sneden (i)
• Tyler Burke

Jenison Public Schools

3 6-year positions

• Eric R. Hartman (i)
• Chris Reed (i)
• Kristen Evans
• Joel Buck
• Laurie Burks
• Steve Kooy
• Lisa Wilson
• Diana Weyhmiller

Kenowa Hills Public Schools

4 4-year positions

• Angela Schultz
• Danielle Roberts (i)
• Don Munn (i)
• Eric John Roberts
• Tracey Hart (i)
• Shannon Robertson

Kent City Community Schools

3 6-year positions

• Sandra Vanderhyde-Volkers (i)
• Rick Stockhill (i)
• Glenn A. Crabtree (i)

Ravenna Public Schools

2 6-year positions

• Matthew Broton
• Trevor Hall
• Timothy Patterson
• Michael J. Pierson (i)
• Fred Rosel Jr. (i)

Sparta Area Schools

3 6-year positions

• Timothy A. Driscoll (i)
• Julie Johnston
• Kim Eluskie (i)
• Mary Sanford

Spring Lake Public Schools

2 6-year positions

• Paul Aldridge (i)
• Christopher Beck (i)
• Katie Bowen

West Ottawa Public Schools

4 4-year positions

• Charles Elwood
• Kory Plockmeyer
• Tiffany Berry
• Darrin Duistermars (i)
• Jens Milobinski
• Kimberly Burmeister
• Randy Schipper (i)

Zeeland Public Schools

3 6-year positions

• Derrick Muilenburg
• Chad Creevy (i)
• Heidi Geerlings (i)
• Abby Lucas
• Eric Miller
• Dianne Fikse

Proposals

State

Proposal 2026-1: A Proposal to Convene a Constitutional Convention for the Purpose of Drafting a General Revision of the State Constitution

Shall a convention of elected delegates be convened in 2027 to draft a general revision of the State Constitution for presentation to the state’s voters for their approval or rejection?

State Proposal 2026-2: A proposed initiated law to prohibit campaign contributions from certain regulated utilites and government contractors and apply campaign finance laws and regulations to additional types of political communications.

The proposal would:

• Prohibit regulated electric and gas utilities, contractors with over $250,000 annually in government contracts, and people and organizations with substantial connections to these utilities/contractors from making direct or indirect campaign contributions to those who run for or hold offices that impact them.
• Expand laws regulating spending on political communications, including those requiring disclosing donor information, to apply to communications clearly identifying candidates or ballot questions, even if they do not expressly advocate voting for/against them.
• Expressly apply the law requiring disclosure of who paid for political communications to internet political communications.

Ottawa County

Parks and Open Space: Millage Increase

For 10 years beginning with the tax assessments in December of 2027 and ending with the assessments in December of 2036, shall the total taxable property rate limitation in Ottawa County under Section 6 of Article IX of the Michigan Constitution of 1963, be increased up to the amount of 0.20 mills (20 cents per thousand dollars of taxable value) as an increase to the renewed 0.33 mill authorization for the purpose of acquiring, improving, operating, maintaining, restoring, and protecting parks, open space, trails, greenways, water access sites, recreational facilities, and related conservation and educational activities in Ottawa County and if approved and levied in full, this millage will raise an estimated $3,763,230 in the first calendar year it is levied (2027).

Allegan County

Proposal No. 1:

Conservation District Millage Renewal Proposal

For the purpose of providing funds for the operation of the Allegan Conservation District, including programs to assist landowners in the protection and enhancement of natural resources, environmental education, and environmental remediation within Allegan County, shall Allegan County be authorized to levy a millage annually in an amount not to exceed 0.0943 mill ($0.0943 per each $1,000 of taxable value), which is a renewal of the previously authorized millage rate that expires in 2026, against all taxable property within Allegan County, for a period of six (6) years, 2027 through 2032, inclusive? The estimate of the revenue the County will collect in the first year (2027) if the millage is approved and levied by the County is approximately $795,241.

City of Ferrysburg

Street Millage Proposal

Shall the previously voted increase in the tax limitations imposed under Article IX, Sec. 6 of the Michigan Constitution in the City of Ferrysburg, of 1.5000 mills ($1.50 per $1,000 of taxable value) , reduced to 1.4076 mills ($1.4076 per $1,000 of taxable value) by the required millage rollbacks, be renewed at and increased up to the original voted 1.5000 mills ($1.50 per $1,000 of taxable value) and levied for a period of (5) years, 2027 through 2031 inclusive, for repairs to the City’s Streets, raising an estimated $435,000 in the first year the millage is levied.

Proposal 1

Shall the second sentence of the first paragraph of Section 3.7 of the Ferrysburg City Charter be amended to reduce the number of registered electors required for a nominating petition to not less than 6 and by no more than 20 signatures?

Proposal 2

A Resolution to Amend the Ferrysburg City Charter to remove the requirement that the City Clerk write the determination of the validity of the nominating petitions on the face of the nominating petition in Section 3.9.

Jamestown Charter Township

Proposal No. 1: Millage Renewal Proposition: 1.5000 Mills for Road Improvement Purposes

Shall the previously voted increase in the Charter Township of Jamestown tax rate limitation, currently 1.4362 mills ($1.4362 per $1,000 of taxable value), be renewed and levied in the years 2027-2030, both inclusive, and shall an additional 0.0638 mill ($0.0638 per $1,000 of taxable value) be approved and levied to restore previous millage reductions under the “Headlee Amendment” since this millage was last approved, resulting in the levy of 1.5000 mills ($1.50 per $1,000 of taxable value), subject to reduction as provided by law, on taxable property in the Township?

The purpose of this levy is to provide funds for the improvement of secondary roads situated in Jamestown Charter Township. It is estimated that a levy of 1.5000 mills would provide revenue of $1,163,377 in the first calendar year, of which $49,482 would result from the additional 0.0638 mill. The revenue from this millage levy will be disbursed to the Township.

Proposal No. 2: New Additional Millage Proposition: 0.30 Mill for Fire Department Operating Purposes

Shall the limitation on general ad valorem taxation within the Charter Township of Jamestown be increased by 0.30 mill ($0.30 per $1,000 of taxable value) annually for a period of four years 2027-2030, both inclusive, subject to reduction as provided by law, on taxable property in the Township?

The purpose of this levy is to provide additional funds for the operation of the Jamestown Charter Township Fire Department. It is estimated that a levy of 0.30 mill would provide revenue of $232,675 in the first calendar year. The revenue from this millage levy will be disbursed to the Township.

Park Township

Parks and Recreation Millage Renewal and Increase

Shall the previous voted increase in the tax limitations imposed under Article IX Sec. 6 of the Michigan Constitution in Park Township, Ottawa County, Michigan of 0.6 mills ($0.60 per $1000 of taxable value), reduced to 0.5720 mills ($0.5720 per $1000 of taxable value) by the required rollbacks expiring on December 31, 2026, be renewed and increased to 0.7 mills ($0.7 per $1000 of taxable value) for four (4) years, beginning in January 2027, and ending December 31, 2030.

The inclusive intent of the millage is to provide funds to Park Township for parks and recreation purposes including but not limited to operation, maintenance, repair, renovation, rebuilding, or improvement of Township-owned or leased land, buildings and other improvements used for parks and/or recreation purposes, and the purchase or lease of land for parks, recreation, and open space/greenway purposes.

If approved and levied in its entirety in the first calendar year of authorization, this proposal would raise an estimated $1,006,720 and would be subject to Headlee rollback pursuant to Article IX, Section 31 of the Michigan Constitution.

This proposal would increase the taxes on a home with a market value of $500,000 by approximately $32 per year.

Local School District Proposals

Allendale Public Schools

School Safety, Facilities, Equipment and Site Improvements Bond Proposal

Shall Allendale Public Schools, Ottawa County, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Sixty-Six Million Seven Hundred Thousand Dollars ($66,700,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefor, for the purpose of:

• remodeling school buildings for and equipping school buildings with school safety and security improvements, including expanded security camera systems, secure keyless access systems for doors and classrooms, emergency radios and fire alarms;
• erecting STEM, industrial technology, and other additions to school buildings;
• purchasing school buses;
• equipping, developing and improving playgrounds, play fields, athletic fields and facilities, driveways, parking areas and sites;
• acquiring and installing instructional technology and instructional technology equipment for school buildings;
• remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing, and equipping and re-equipping school buildings; and
• erecting school support buildings?

The following is for informational purposes only:

The estimated millage that will be levied for the proposed bonds in 2027, under current law, is 2.64 mills ($2.64 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a -0- mill net increase over the prior year’s levy. The maximum number of years the bonds may be outstanding, exclusive of any refunding, is thirty (30) years. The estimated simple average annual millage anticipated to be required to retire this bond debt is 3.59 mills ($3.59 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation).

The school district expects to borrow from the State School Bond Qualification and Loan Program to pay debt service on these bonds. The estimated total principal amount of that borrowing is $5,597,984 and the estimated total interest to be paid thereon is $6,855,123. The estimated duration of the millage levy associated with that borrowing is 11 years and the estimated computed millage rate for such levy is 8.59 mills. The estimated computed millage rate may change based on changes in certain circumstances. The total amount of qualified bonds currently outstanding is $40,695,000. The total amount of qualified loans currently outstanding is $17,444,114. (Pursuant to State law, expenditure of bond proceeds must be independently audited and the proceeds cannot be used for repair or maintenance costs, teacher, administrator or employee salaries, or other operating expenses.)

Bond Proposal

Shall Allendale Public Schools, Ottawa County, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Twenty-Seven Million Forty-Five Thousand Dollars ($27,045,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefor, for the purpose of:

• erecting erecting, furnishing and equipping a school multi-purpose building for student and community use; and
• developing and improving a site?

The following is for informational purposes only:

The estimated millage that will be levied for the proposed bonds in 2027, under current law, is 1.41 mills ($1.41 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a -0- mill net increase over the prior year’s levy. The maximum number of years the bonds may be outstanding, exclusive of any refunding, is thirty (30) years. The estimated simple average annual millage anticipated to be required to retire this bond debt is 1.55 mills ($1.55 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation).

The school district expects to borrow from the State School Bond Qualification and Loan Program to pay debt service on these bonds. The estimated total principal amount of that borrowing is $-0- and the estimated total interest to be paid thereon is $2,025,355. The estimated duration of the millage levy associated with that borrowing is 8 years and the estimated computed millage rate for such levy is 8.59 mills. The estimated computed millage rate may change based on changes in certain circumstances. The total amount of qualified bonds currently outstanding is $40,695,000.

The total amount of qualified loans currently outstanding is $17,444,114.

(Pursuant to State law, expenditure of bond proceeds must be independently audited and the proceeds cannot be used for repair or maintenance costs, teacher, administrator or employee salaries, or other operating expenses.)

Grand Haven Area Public Schools

Bond Proposal

Shall Grand Haven Area Public Schools, Ottawa and Muskegon Counties, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Ninety-Eight Million Five-Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($98,550,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefor, in one or more series, for the purpose of:

erecting, completing and remodeling school buildings, facilities and additions to school buildings and facilities; equipping, re-equipping, furnishing and refurnishing school buildings and facilities; purchasing school buses; acquiring and installing instructional technology; and preparing, developing, improving and equipping play fields, playgrounds, structures, facilities and sites?

The following is for informational purposes only:

The estimated millage that will be levied for the proposed bonds in 2027 is 1.95 mills ($1.95 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation). The maximum number of years the bonds of any series may be outstanding, exclusive of any refunding, is twenty-five (25) years. The estimated simple average annual millage anticipated to be required to retire this bond debt is 1.15 mills ($1.15 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation).

(Pursuant to State law, expenditure of bond proceeds must be audited and the proceeds cannot be used for repair or maintenance costs, teacher, administrator or employee salaries, or other operating expenses.)

Hudsonville Public Schools

Operating Millage Renewal Proposal

This proposal will allow the school district to continue to levy the statutory rate of not to exceed 18 mills on all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, required for the school district to receive its revenue per pupil foundation allowance. The remaining 1.6911 mills are only available to be levied to restore millage lost as a result of the reduction required by the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and will only be levied to the extent necessary to restore that reduction.

Shall the currently authorized millage rate limitation on the amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, in Hudsonville Public Schools, Ottawa and Allegan Counties, Michigan, be renewed by 19.6911 mills ($19.6911 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of 5 years, 2028 to 2032, inclusive, to provide funds for operating purposes; the estimate of the revenue the school district will collect if the millage is approved and 18 mills are levied in 2028 is approximately $9,560,000 (this is a renewal of millage that will expire with the 2027 tax levy)?

Sinking Fund Millage Renewal Proposal

This proposal will allow the school district to continue to levy the building and site sinking fund millage that expires with the 2027 tax levy.

Shall the currently authorized millage rate of .9709 mill ($0.9709 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) which may be assessed against all property in Hudsonville Public Schools, Ottawa and Allegan Counties, Michigan, be renewed for a period of 5 years, 2028 to 2032, inclusive, to continue to provide for a sinking fund for the purchase of real estate for sites for, and the construction or repair of, school buildings, for school security improvements, for the acquisition or upgrading of technology and all other purposes authorized by law; the estimate of the revenue the school district will collect if the millage is approved and levied in 2028 is approximately $2,740,000 (this is a renewal of millage that will expire with the 2027 tax levy)?

Kenowa Hills Public Schools

Operating Millage Renewal Proposal

This proposal will allow the school district to continue to levy the statutory rate of not to exceed 18 mills on all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, required for the school district to receive its revenue per pupil foundation allowance. The remaining 2 mills are only available to be levied to restore millage lost as a reduction required by the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and will only be levied to the extent neccessary to restore that reduction.

Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, in Kenowa Hills Public Schools, Kent and Ottawa Counties, Michigan, be increased by 20 mills ($20.00 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of 10 years, 2027 to 2036, inclusive, to provide funds for operating purposes; the estimate of the revenue the school district will collect if the millage is approved and 18 mills are levied in 2027 is approximately $17,226,786 (this authorization would allow the district to continue to levy millage that expired with the 2026 tax levy)?

— Sarah Leach is the executive editor of the Ottawa News Network. Contact her at sleach@ottawanewsnetwork.org. Follow her on Twitter @ONNLeach.