Here's everyone running for office in Ottawa County in 2026

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 with several competitive races, both in the primary and general election cycles.

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

For more information:

• 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/august-4-2026

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

Federal-level races

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

• Democrats:
  • 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.
• Hailey Stevens: A U.S. representative since 2019, Stevens is known for her moderate policies, focusing on topics such as Michigan manufacturing and organized labor. Learn more at Haley Stevens 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.
• Republicans:
  • Ryan Cushman: Cushman is a local businessman and Michigan National Guard veteran. His platform includes expanding Medicaid, auditing health insurance companies, revising the U.S. tax code, capping corporate political donations and reducing the dependency on fossil fuels. Learn more at Ryan Cushman for Congress.
  • 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:
  • Diop Harris II: A legislative correspondent in the U.S. Senate based in Battle Creek, Harris' platform centers on reducing healthcare and childcare costs, protecting resources to reduce climate change, creating more jobs, and making Head Start available to all families. Learn more at Diop Harris.
  • 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.
  • Philip Tanis: Tanis is best known as the youngest person elected as mayor of the city of Holland (1987-1989), overseeing major downtown renovations and the installation of the city's signature snowmelt system. He later worked for the International Republican Institute, training center-right political parties, and spent over two decades in religious communications. Tanis has a moderate-leaning platform focused on fiscal responsibility and limited government that includes a bipartisan approach to solutions. Learn more at Tanis 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.

• Democrats:
  • 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.
  • Chris Swanson: The Genesee County sheriff is positioning himself as an energetic, non-establishment alternative. He is campaigning heavily on public safety, education reform and lowering costs. Learn more at Chris Swanson for Governor.
• Republicans:
  • 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.
  • Perry Johnson: The Oakland County businessman and former presidential candidate is running on an anti-wasteful-spending platform and supports eliminating the state income tax. Learn more at Perry Johnson for Michigan Governor.

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 Senate

30th District (1 4-year term):

• Democrats:
  • 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.
  • Rickie Kreuzer: Kreuzer is the executive director of Chosen Family of Michigan, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group. He is a Jenison High School graduate, holds a business degree from Ferris State University, and a law degree from Western Michigan University's Thomas M. Cooley Law School. His platform includes supporting business, improving infrastructure and development, and creating more affordable housing. Learn more at kreuzerformichigan.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):

• Democrats:
  • Keagan Host: A 2025 Hope College graduate, Host's platform includes lowering costs, fighting crime, and improving our schools. Learn more at keaganhost2.com.
  • 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.
• Republicans:
  • Kevin Maas: Maas is a West Ottawa High School graduate who was a star swimmer, which he continued at the University of Michigan. He owns and operates a property cleaning service. His platform includes supporting parental rights, investing in infrastructure and roads, and advocating for pro-life policies. Learn more at votemaas.com.
  • Michael Markey Jr.: A financial advisor by trade, Markey's platform includes creating a Michigan version of DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), supporting parental rights and cutting taxes. Learn more at michaelmarkeyjr.com.
  • 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.
• Republicans:
  • John C. O'Brien: O'Brien is a self-employed independent contractor licensed insurance agent.
  • 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.
• Republicans:
  • Ethan Frasier: Frasier previously filed to run for the Michigan House of Representatives in District 86 during the 2012 election cycle. He resides in Spring Lake.
  • 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.
• Republicans:
  • Patrick Kapenga: A graduate of GVSU, Kapenga works as a real estate agent. His platform includes eliminating government waste, eliminating the state income tax, and eliminating barriers to work and training opportunities. Learn more at kapenga4michigan.com.
  • 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.

Local-level races

Crockery Township

Trustee (partial term ending Nov. 20, 2028)

Vote for not more than 2:

• Republicans:
  • Michael Erole
  • Jake Noel
  • John VanDoorn
  • David J. Willis

Polkton Township

Clerk (partial term ending Nov. 20, 2028)

Vote for not more than 1

• Republicans:
  • Jamie Ten Brink

Robinson Township

Clerk (partial term ending Nov. 20, 2028)

Vote for not more than 1

• Republicans:
  • Steven A. Lewis
  • Victoria Sund

Zeeland Township

Supervisor (partial term ending Nov. 20, 2028)

Vote for not more than 1

• Republicans:
  • Kerri J. Bosma
  • Dan Kerkstra

Clerk (partial term ending Nov. 20, 2028)

Vote for not more than 1

• Republicans:
  • Brian VanDussen

Trustee (partial term ending Nov. 20, 2028)

Vote for not more than 1

• Republicans:
  • John Shrauger

Precinct Delegates

Allendale Charter Township

• Precinct 1 (8 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Ronnie Allen
    • Stephanie Netzel
    • Robert Netzel
    • Kristin Doornbos
    • Peggy Doornbos
    • Anne Vruggink
• Precinct 2 (7 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Damon J. Jordan
    • Philip Mark Alderink
• Precinct 3 (9 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Lorna Martin
    • Laura Potgeter
    • Ryan Stevens
    • Stephanie Stevens
    • Janet Van Rhee
    • Joann Walcott
    • Joel Potgeter
    • Phyllis Klinge
• Precinct 4 (6 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • David Cremer
    • Tonya Harris
    • Jerry L. Vander Meulen
    • Karson Young
    • Harriet Austin
    • Robert W. Austin

Blendon Township

• Precinct 1 (6 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Pam Driesenga
    • Beverly Horinga
    • Sally Cronkright
• Precinct 2 (12 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Tyler J. Wagenmaker
    • Kelli Cobb
    • Jeanette Schuiteman

Chester Township

• Precinct 1 (5 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Darin Niemi

Coopersville

• Precinct 1 (7 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Lloyd Hemstreet
    • Lynn Vronko
    • Travis Datema

City of Ferrysburg

• Precinct 1 (5 positions)
  • Republicans:
• Jason Koert
• Carla Segaar
• Michael Segaar
• Precinct 1 (5 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • Margaret Van Houdt
    • Garry Post
    • Michael G. Campbell
    • Carol Sanchez
    • Robert Hill
      

City of Grand Haven

• Precinct 1 (3 positions)
  • Republicans:
• DeAnna Lieffers
• Michael J. Westbrook
• Michelle Burnett
• Precinct 1 (2 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • David Andrew Cawthon
• Precinct 2 (3 positions)
  • Republicans:
• Josh M. Brugger
• Jenni Shepherd
• Guy Paul Terrill
• Precinct 2 (3 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • Cynthia Spielmaker
    • Chris Kostamo
• Precinct 3 (4 positions)
  • Republicans:
• Lindy Patterson
• Precinct 4 (4 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Ben Genser
    • Cheryl Clark

City of Holland

• Precinct 1 (4 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Jim Newhouse
    • Velina Karen Burress
    • Paula A. Bojsen
    • Joe Haveman
• Precinct 1 (3 positions):
  • Democrats:
    • Carl Holsinger
• Precinct 2 (3 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Donna Tuls
    • Daniel L. Van Den Bosch
    • Case Vanderlees
• Precinct 3 (4 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • Marley Jackman
• Precinct 4 (2 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Angela A. Mabie
    • Michael Mabie
• Precinct 5 (2 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Michael Jefferies
• Precinct 6 (5 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Travis Brack
    • Karen R. Devries
    • Linda Van Langevelde
    • Heidi Van Wieren
• Precinct 6 (8 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • David C. Beattie
    • Karri L. Whitney
• Precinct 10 (2 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Chad J. Vanderstelt
• Precinct 10 (3 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • Marion Pritchard
• Precinct 11 (4 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Brian Coen
    • Polly Coen

City of Hudsonville

• Precinct 1001 (4 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • John DeBlaay
• Precinct 2001 (4 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • David Nyitray
    • Mark Northrup
    • Becka Top
    • James Johnston
    • Rachael Johnston
• Precinct 3001 (6 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Philip A. Jones
    • Sharon VanderBoon
    • Gwen E. Snoeyink
    • Sam Jones

City of Zeeland

• Precinct 1 (7 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Ann Henriksen
    • Thomas Manning
    • David Kroll
    • Eric Leroy
    • Hernandez Cadence
    • Kathleen DeVree
    • Amy Kroll
• Precinct 2 (4 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Kurtis C. Van Koevering
    • Justin F. Roebuck
    • Chris R. Dalke
    • Dawn Dalke
• Precinct 2 (4 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • Jim Searls

Crockery Township

• Precinct 1 (6 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Adlai Brown
    • Gregory R. Todd
    • Kaye A. Sumners
• Precinct 2 (3 positions)
  • Republicans:
• Valerie Porter

Georgetown Charter Township

• Precinct 1 (6 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Rebekah A. Curran
    • Matthew Slottke
    • Kyle Terpstra
• Precinct 1 (4 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • Cathy Maier
• Precinct 2 (6 positions)
  • Republicans:
• Pamela Nolta
• Jake Jenison
• Eric E. Matwiejczyk
• Sarah F. Matwiejczyk
• Sophia Matwiejczyk
• Wendy Katerberg
• Chona Jeurink
• James Jeurink
• John Nolta
• Precinct 2 (2 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • Kristen Crawford
    • Emily Madsen
• Precinct 3 (6 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Patrick C. Morgan
    • Don Dykstra
    • Darlene Dykstra
    • Lloyd Van Duyn
    • Nick De Haan
• Precinct 4 (7 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Paul J. Chulski
    • Stuart Foster
    • John Cremer
    • Brian Haab
    • Stephanie M. Lelo
    • Ryan Smarszcz
    • Steven E. Holey
• Precinct 5 (6 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Shannon Hogan
    • Rachel Atwood
    • Lynn Sheren
    • Adam Timmer
    • Rebekah Timmer
• Precinct 6 (6 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • AJ Karsemeyer
    • Marie Karsemeyer
    • Darlene L. Chandler
    • Dan Winiarski
    • Mary F. Howell
• Precinct 7 (7 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Katie Dykstra
    • Shawn Dykstra
• Precinct 7 (4 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • José Fernandez
• Precinct 8 (6 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Joe Carron
    • Penny VanDellen
    • Micah Koole
    • Kimberly VanderLey
    • John VanderLey
    • Jacob McCuaig
    • Janessa Smit
• Precinct 9 (6 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Harvey J. Nikkel
    • Beth VanHoven
    • Joel Buck
    • Mary Mapes
    • Rich Mapes
    • Craig A. Jenison
• Precinct 9 (4 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • Lorrae Danzig
• Precinct 10 (6 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Melissa Homewood
    • Jason Ickes
    • Donna Mooney
    • Brian Mooney
• Precinct 11 (6 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Laurie Burks
    • Steve Girschle
    • John M. Postma
    • Gerri Sue Bosch
    • Jeff Burks
• Precinct 11 (4 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • José Fernandez
    • Kelley Holwerda
• Precinct 12 (6 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Julie Vruggink
    • James Huyser
    • Jeffery A. Moss
    • Dianna Johnson
• Precinct 13 (7 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Mark Davis
    • Cynthia Davis
    • Pete Plowman
    • Gregory S. Yoder
    • Hayden VanOverloop
    • Kendra Wenzel
    • Claude Lemmen
    • Jeff Wenzel
• Precinct 13 (4 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • Michael Dykstra
• Precinct 14 (7 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Roger Victory
    • Cheryl Austin
    • Tague Sara Westhuis
    • David B. McLellan
• Precinct 15 (7 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Barbara Kuiper
    • David A. Kuiper
    • Sandra Strandberg
    • Shawn James Haff
• Precinct 16 (5 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Connie Eardley
    • James Eardley
    • Elena A. Studebaker
    • Mark Kadzban
    • Bob Scholma
    • Sue Scholma
    • Craig Dunlap

Grand Haven Charter Township

• Precinct 1 (4 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Geri McCaleb
• Precinct 2 (4 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Joan Bailey
    • Tammy Murray-Herber
• Precinct 3 (4 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Robyn Brodie
    • Mae Kleinheksel
    • Kirsten Poel
    • Sally Edward
    • Casey J. O'Neill
• Precinct 4 (4 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Roberta J. Nauta
    • Elaine D. Ebel
• Precinct 4 (4 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • Robin Brand
• Precinct 5 (4 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Daniel Bloom II
    • Stephen Egerer
    • Greg Poulson
    • Kimberly R. Poulson
    • Steven Reenders
• Precinct 5 (3 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • Barbara W. Brown
    • Susan Federico
• Precinct 6 (3 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Stephen Rockman
    • Susan VandenBerg
• Precinct 7 (5 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Dan C. Nelson
    • Denna Arnold
    • Tracy Reed
    • Jonathan B. Gamm
• Precinct 7 (4 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • Tom Van Hill

Holland Charter Township

• Precinct 1 (3 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Christina Jamieson
• Precinct 1 (6 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • Jason Reimink
• Precinct 3 (4 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Braxton Platt
    • Kathleen A. Dunmore
    • David M. Dunmore
    • William Tomsheck
    • Sheryl A. Thompson
• Precinct 3 (5 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • Kathy Evers
• Precinct 4 (3 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Tim Droski
    • Kristen Boersma
• Precinct 5 (6 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Jackie Curtiss
    • Matthew Kalajainen
    • Jim Kuiper
• Precinct 6 (3 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Craig Ebel
    • Lucy Ebel
    • Jacob Ryan Geiselhart
• Precinct 7 (5 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Gretchen Molotky
    • Alicia Chrysler
    • Debbie Hildenbrand
• Precinct 7 (3 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • Margo Walters
• Precinct 9 (7 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Leigh Van Doornik
    • Amanda DeVries
    • Sheryl DeVries
• Precinct 9 (4 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • Al Crothers
• Precinct 10 (3 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Timothy M. Bennett
• Precinct 10 (4 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • Michael Oriyavong
• Precinct 11 (3 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Maureen Patterson
    • Joseph Stevens
• Precinct 12 (5 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Vince Bush

Jamestown Charter Township

• Precinct 1 (5 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Candy DeHaan
    • Jeff King
    • Thomas Martinie
• Precinct 2 (6 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Joel Studebaker
    • Kelsea J. Studebaker
    • Wade Windemuller
    • Debra Windemuller
    • Steve Windemuller
    • Heidi Pronk
• Precinct 3 (3 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Dana ODell
    • Keri ODell
• Precinct 4 (5 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Danielle Herrema
    • Dilon Herrema
    • Penny Pullen
    • Kyle Coplen
    • Lexi Willison
• Precinct 5 (4 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Kristen Meghan Kelly
    • Brad Windemuller
    • Lucy Spinner
    • Betty Besteman

Olive Township

• Precinct 1 (4 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Roger Feikema
    • Rett DeBoer
    • Marc Jaarsma
• Precinct 1 (3 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • R. Aimee Chipman
• Precinct 2 (6 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Laura Arcuri
    • Frances Brown
    • Ross Brown
• Precinct 2 (1 position)
  • Democrats:
    • Lesley Coghill

Park Township

• Precinct 1 (6 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • James Barry
    • Joy A. Fewell
    • Brad A. Wagner
    • Julie Freyer
    • Liza Barry
• Precinct 2 (2 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Elizabeth Dallam
    • Ayoub Barbara Wallin
    • Lou Wallin
• Precinct 3 (6 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Karen Kramer
    • Nancy E. Cerbins
    • Victor Cerbins
    • Amanda Price
    • Rodger Price
• Precinct 3 (6 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • Melanie Scholten
• Precinct 4 (4 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Jordan Jorritsma
    • Michael C. Rauckhorst
• Precinct 4 (2 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • Michelle LeTarte
• Precinct 5 (6 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Steve J. Redmond
    • Penny Doan
    • Virginia J. Greenlee
    • Karen Ann Nunheimer
    • Robin Pintar
    • Kristopher R.M. Cox
    • Mike VanDenBosch
• Precinct 5 (3 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • Makayla M. Andersen
    • JoAnn Bird
    • Robert Bird
    • John Darling
• Precinct 6 (5 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Dick Van Dyk
    • Joyce E. Van Dyk

Polkton Township

• Precinct 1 (6 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Luke Meerman
    • Teresa Cichewicz
    • Alexander Kapenga
    • Karen Helsen
    • Ruth VanHoven
    • Jessica Langeland
    • Patrick Kapenga

Port Sheldon Township

• Precinct 2 (4 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Michael Haas
    • Brad Meyer
• Precinct 2 (4 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • Susie Maturkanich

Robinson Township

• Precinct 1 (5 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Karla Bosch
• Precinct 1 (3 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • Jane Longstreet
• Precinct 2 (2 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • AnnaMarie L. Deater
• Precinct 3 (4 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Pam Kuyers
    • Philip Kuyers
    • Dave Dunayczan
    • Jeanne Lutz
    • Sherri Zandbergen
    • John Wetzel
    • April Adamczyk
    • Nathan Adamczyk
• Precinct 4 (4 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Pam Kuyers
    • Philip Kuyers
    • Dave Dunayczan
    • Jeanne Lutz
    • Sherri Zandbergen
    • John Wetzel
    • April Adamczyk
    • Nathan Adamczyk

Spring Lake Township

• Precinct 1 (4 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • David Teller
    • Marsha Teller
• Precinct 1 (3 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • Cynthia Mushroe
• Precinct 2 (4 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • Geoffrey Eroe
• Precinct 3 (6 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • John Carrns
    • Julie K. Harlan
    • John Hauet
• Precinct 3 (5 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • Elizabeth Marshall
• Precinct 4 (4 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • John Planteroth
• Precinct 4 (4 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • Karen Obits
• Precinct 5 (5 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Steven Namenye
    • Sherry Zuidema
    • Linda B. Namenye
    • Nek Papageorgio
• Precinct 5 (4 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • Daniel C. O'Leary
• Precinct 6 (3 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Earnest Lee
    • George Maierhauser
• Precinct 6 (1 position)
  • Democrats:
    • Barbara Ann Postema

Tallmadge Charter Township

• Precinct 1 (6 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • April L. McKnight
    • Phillip Kamp
    • Mark. R. Bennett
• Precinct 2 (5 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Dean Laansma
    • Edward Parcher
• Precinct 3 (7 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Bonnie S. Esther
    • Carl Spence
    • Kelly Spence
    • Sue Horling
• Precinct 3 (2 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • James Van Voorst

Wright Township

• Precinct 1 (7 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Richard Dausman
    • Ken Schwallier
    • Lisa Bosch

Zeeland Charter Township

• Precinct 1 (5 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Corey Collins
• Precinct 2 (6 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • George Martell
• Precinct 2 (3 positions)
  • Democrats:
    • Beth Meadows
• Precinct 3 (6 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • Ruth E. DeLange
    • Cary Hirdes
    • Judy Hirdes
    • Brian VanDussen
    • Jeremy Windemuller
    • Andrea VanDussen
• Precinct 4 (5 positions)
  • Republicans:
    • David Heyboer
    • Judy Ann Heyboer
    • Christi Meppelink
    • Linda Walker
    • Carol Slagh
    • Beth Steenwyk

Proposals

Ottawa County

Community Mental Health Renewal and Restoration

For 10 years beginning with the tax assessments in December of 2026 and ending with the assessments in December of 2035, shall the total taxable property rate limitation in Ottawa County under Section 6 of Article IX of the Michigan Constitution of 1963, of 0.30 mills, reduced to 0.2802 mills, be increased and restored under the Headlee Amendment to the original amount of 0.30 mills (30 cents per thousand dollars of taxable value) to fund non-Medicaid programming and services for Ottawa County residents who are clients of the Ottawa County Community Mental Health Agency. This is a renewal and Headlee restoration of an existing but expiring and rolled back millage and if approved and levied in its entirety, this millage would raise an estimated $5,644,846 in the first calendar year after its approval (2026).

Parks and Open Space Renewal and Restoration

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 of 0.33 mills, reduced to 0.3100 mills, be increased and restored under the Headlee Amendment to the original amount of 0.33 mills (33 cents per thousand dollars of taxable value) 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. This is a renewal and Headlee restoration of an existing but expiring (2026) and rolled back millage and if approved and levied in its entirety, this millage would raise an estimated $6,209,330 in the first calendar year after its approval (2027).

Blendon Township

Millage Renewal Proposition 0.3 Mill for Public Library Services

Shall the previously voted increase in the Township of Blendon tax rate limitation imposed under Article IX, Sec. 6 of the Michigan Constitution, currently 0.2691 mill ($0.2691 per $1,000 of taxable value), be renewed and levied in the years 2026-2037, both inclusive, and shall an additional 0.0309 mill ($0.0309 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 0.3 mill ($0.30 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 continue the providing of public library services for the residents of the Township, by contracting with public libraries that are members of the Lakeland Library Cooperative. It is estimated that a levy of 0.3 mill would provide revenue of $142,822 in the first calendar year, of which $14,710 would result from the additional 0.0309 mill. The revenue from this millage levy will be disbursed to the Township of Blendon.

Chester Township

Proposal No. 1:

Millage Renewal Proposition: 1.75 Mills for Fire Protection and Emergency Services, and Related Equipment

Shall the previously-voted increase in the Township of Chester tax rate limitation, imposed under Article IX, Sec. 6 of the Michigan Constitution, currently 1.7459 mills ($1.7459 per $1,000 of taxable value), which expires in 2026, be renewed and levied for an additional four (4) years, from 2027 through 2030, both inclusive, and shall an additional 0.0041 mill ($0.0041 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 1.75 mills ($1.75 per $1,000 of taxable value), subject to reduction as provided by law, on taxable property in the Township?

The purpose of this renewed millage levy is to provide funds for operating and providing fire protection and emergency services in the Township, and for the purchase of related equipment. It is estimated that a levy of 1.75 mills would provide revenue of $226,895 in the first calendar year, of which $532 would result from the additional 0.0041 mill. The revenue from this millage levy will be disbursed to the Township of Chester.

Proposal No. 2:

New Millage Proposition: 1.0 Mill for Acquiring Fire Apparatus and Equipment

Shall the limitation on general ad valorem taxation within the Township of Chester imposed under Article IX, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution be increased for Chester Township by up to 1.0 mills ($1.00 per $1,000 of taxable value) for a period of five (5) years, from 2026 through 2030, both inclusive, subject to reduction as provided by law, on taxable property in the Township?

The purpose of this new millage levy is to provide funds for acquiring fire apparatus and equipment. It is estimated that a levy of 1.0 mill would provide revenue of $129,654 in the first calendar year. The revenue from this millage levy will be disbursed to the Township of Chester.

Crockery Township

New Millage Proposition: 0.75 Mill for Maintenance, Repair and Improvement Of Roads

Shall the limitation on general ad valorem taxation within the Township of Crockery imposed under Article IX, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution be increased for Crockery Township by up to 0.75 mill ($0.75 per $1,000 of taxable value) for a period of ten (10) years, from 2026 through 2035, both inclusive, subject to reduction as provided by law, on taxable property in the Township?

The purpose of this millage levy is to provide funds for the maintenance, repair and improvement of roads within the Township. It is estimated that a levy of 0.75 mill would provide revenue of $213,859 in the first calendar year. The revenue from this millage levy will be disbursed to the Township of Crockery and, as required by State law, a portion of the millage revenue will be disbursed to the Township Corridor Improvement Authority.

Holland Charter Township

Renewal Public Safety Proposition

Shall an expiring increase of 1.50 mill for policing and emergency medical response services, reduced by required rollback to 1.4577 mill, above the Charter Township tax limitation of 5 mills upon the total amount of general ad valorem taxes imposed upon real and tangible personal property for all purposes in any one year under Michigan law, be renewed and increased for the Charter Township of Holland, Ottawa County, Michigan for 1.75 mills (which is equal to $1.75 per $1,000 of Taxable Value of all such property) for a period of four (4) years, 2027 through 2030, inclusive, and shall the Charter Township of Holland be authorized to levy such tax?

The purpose of the millage (which will result in an estimated amount of revenue of $3,917,148 that will be collected in the first year that the millage is authorized and levied) is for paying costs for public safety services to provide emergency medical response and care and for policing services to provide community directed law enforcement, traffic safety and enforcement, and other general policing and public safety services.

Jamestown Charter Township

Proposal No. 1:

Millage Renewal Proposition: 1.0000 Mill for Fire Department Operating Purposes

Shall the previously voted increase in the Charter Township of Jamestown tax rate limitation, currently 0.9575 mill ($0.9575 per $1,000 of taxable value), be renewed and levied in the years 2027-2030, both inclusive, and shall an additional 0.0425 mill ($0.0425 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 1.0000 mill ($1.00 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 operation of the Jamestown Charter Township Fire Department. It is estimated that a levy of 1.0000 mill would provide revenue of $775,585 in the first calendar year, of which $32,962 would result from the additional 0.0425 mill. The revenue from this millage levy will be disbursed to the Township.

Proposal No. 2:

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. 3:

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 additional provide 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.

Library Millage Renewal Proposal

Shall Jamestown Charter Township, Ottawa County, Michigan, be authorized to levy a millage annually in an amount not to exceed .4040 mill ($0.4040 per each $1,000 of taxable value), which is a renewal of the previously authorized millage that expired in 2025, against all taxable property in the Township for a period of five (5) years, 2026 through 2030, inclusive, to provide funds for operating, maintaining, and equipping the Patmos Library (Jamestown Charter Township) and for all other library purposes authorized by law? The estimate of the revenue the Township will collect if the millage is approved and levied in the first year of levy (2026) is approximately $308,000. The revenue from this millage levy will be disbursed to the Patmos Library.

Olive Township

Road Millage Proposal

Shall the limitation on the total amount of taxes which may be assessed against property in Olive Township, Ottawa County, Michigan, as provided in the Michigan Constitution of 1963, be increased at 1.0 mills ($1.00 per $1,000 of taxable value) for four years, being 2026 through 2029, inclusive, to pave, repair, construct, or reconstruct road, bridges, or drain structures; and shall the Township be authorized to levy this tax?

(ESTIMATE OF REVENUE INCREASE: If approved by the voters, the Township estimates that it will receive $300,000 of additional revenues from this millage in 2026).

Fire Rescue Department (Equipment and Apparatus) Millage Renewal Proposal

Shall the expired previously increased limitation on the total amount of taxes which may be assessed against property in Olive Township, Ottawa County, Michigan, as provided in the Michigan Constitution of 1963, reduced to .7447 mill by required rollbacks, be renewed and increased at 0.75 mill ($0.75 per $1,000 of taxable value) for four years, being 2026 through 2029, inclusive, to provide equipment and apparatus for the Olive Township Fire Rescue Department; and shall the Township be authorized to levy this tax?

(ESTIMATE OF REVENUE INCREASE: If approved by the voters, the Township estimates that it will receive $225,000 of additional revenues from this millage renewal in 2026).

Park Township

Public Safety 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 1.5 mills ($1.50 per $1000 of taxable value), reduced to 1.4531 mills ($1.4531 per $1000 of taxable value) by the required rollbacks expiring on December 31, 2026, be renewed and increased to 1.6 mills ($1.60 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 public safety purposes including but not limited to emergency service operations, personnel, equipment and capital expenses for police, fire, and emergency medical services.

If approved and levied in its entirety in the first calendar year of authorization, this proposal would raise an estimated $2,816,000 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 $36.73 per year.

Spring Lake Township

Museum Millage Renewal Proposition

Shall the previously increased limitation on the total amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property in Spring Lake Township, Ottawa County, Michigan, as provided in the Michigan Constitution of 1963, which increased limitation will expire after 2026 and which has been reduced by required rollback to 0.2354 mill, be renewed and increased to 0.25 mill ($0.25 per $1,000.00 of taxable value) for ten years, 2027 through 2036, inclusive, to provide funds to be paid to the Tri-Cities Historical Museum (TCHM), pursuant to a contract between the TCHM and Spring Lake Township, for the purpose of operation, repair, maintenance, and improvement of the TCHM and its related facilities; and shall the Township be authorized to levy the tax? The estimated revenue the Township will collect if the millage is approved and levied in the 2027 calendar year is approximately $332,300.

Tallmadge Charter Township

Police and Fire Renewal Millage Proposition

Shall an expiring voted increase of 1.25 mills ($1.25 per $1,000 of taxable revenue), levied against property in Tallmadge Charter Township, reduced to 1.2332 by required rollback, be renewed and increased at 1.25 mills for four years, 2026 through 2029, inclusive, to provide funds for police, fire, medical, and related services from and necessary equipment (including water hydrants) for the WrightTallmadge Fire Department and the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department; and shall the Township be authorized to levy the renewal in millage for this purpose, raising in the first year an estimated $712,444.

Wright Township

Fire Protection Services Millage Renewal Proposal

Shall the previously voted increase in the tax rate limitation imposed under Article IX, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution on general ad valorem taxes in Wright Township of 1.1947 mills ($1.1947 per $1,000 of taxable value), be renewed at 1.1947 mills ($1.1947 per $1,000 of taxable value), and shall Wright Township levy such millage annually for four (4) years, 2026 through 2029, inclusive, to provide funds for fire protection services?

If approved and levied, this millage would raise an estimated $279,970 in the first year of the levy. All or a portion of the revenues from this millage will be disbursed to the Wright-Tallmadge Fire Department or other governmental agency for fire protection services within Wright Township. To the extent required by law, a portion of the revenues from this millage will be captured and disbursed to the Ottawa County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.

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