Kent County

Jerry Hilliard is the Democratic candidate running in the 2nd Congressional District. Hilliard holds a Master’s degree from Central Michigan University and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Michigan. He has been an educator for both high school and college students.

Hilliard’s policy platform includes protecting abortion access, shutting down Enbridge’s dangerous Line 5 oil pipeline, and building an economy that works for all, not just the wealthy. He supports universal healthcare and affordable education for all and believes in creating new policies so that everyone, regardless of race, gender identity, or sexual orientation, has the same civil rights and is treated equitably under the law.

Hilliard is endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers Michigan.

Hilliard’s opponent is Rep. John Moolenaar, a far-right Republican who consistently supported the Trump agenda. Rep. Moolenaar holds irresponsible right-wing views on guns, supports restricting voting rights, and is anti-reproductive rights. Moolenaar is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan.

Jerry Hilliard is the progressive choice in this race.

Learn more: https://jerryhilliard.com/

Hillary Scholten is the Democratic candidate running for Congress in the new 3rd District. She served for four years in the Department of Justice under President Obama, where she worked to fix America’s broken immigration system. After President Trump took office, she continued her work to solve our immigration crisis by joining the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center. She also began volunteering for the Times Up Legal Defense Fund, which provides legal services to women who face workplace sexual harassment.

In addition to immigration and civil rights, she is focused on strengthening education, expanding access to healthcare, protecting our environment, advocating for clean water, and updating our infrastructure. She will work to bring down the cost of healthcare and lower the cost of prescription drugs, fight to protect reproductive rights, and work to expand skilled trade education programs and affordable college options.

Scholten is endorsed by six of our partners: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, Sierra Club Michigan Chapter, Clean Water Action, and Michigan Education Association.

Scholten’s opponent is Joe Gibbs, a MAGA Republican who believes in election conspiracies and supports the Trump agenda. He holds views on education rooted in right-wing disinformation, is anti-reproductive rights, and holds irresponsible right-wing views on guns. Gibbs is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan.

Scholten is the progressive choice in this race.

Learn more: https://hillaryscholten.com/

Kai Degraaf is a Democrat running for the Michigan State Senate for the 18th District. He was born in Grand Rapids and worked as an immigration attorney in New York and Michigan. 

Degraaf’s priorities, if elected, will be fighting for clean, safe water for all Michiganders, working towards sustainable agricultural practices, supporting Michigan’s farmers, and expanding green jobs. He will also stand with Michigan’s indigenous peoples, support criminal justice reform, fight to protect reproductive rights, and work to lower health care costs. 

Degraaf is endorsed by two of our partner organizations: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan and the American Federation of Teachers Michigan.

Kai Degraaf is running against Republican Thomas Albert. Albert supports restricting voting rights, is anti-reproductive rights, and is supported by the National Rifle Association. Albert is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan and the DeVos-backed Michigan Freedom Network.

While we have concerns about Degraaf’s statements on LGBTQ issues in schools and do not have a lot of information on Kai Degraaf, his opponents’ opposition to abortion rights and right-wing endorsements are enough for us to call Degraaf the best choice in this race.

Learn more: http://kaiforsenate.com/
 

Kim Jorgensen Gane is a Democrat running for the Michigan State Senate for the 20th District.

Jorgensen Gane’s priorities include reproductive freedom, protecting our democracy, boosting our local economy, and helping communities thrive. She supports well-funded public schools and paid leave, affordable childcare, expanding access to both mental and physical health care, and believes in LGBTQ rights and equality.

Jorgensen Gane is endorsed by three of our partners: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, and Equality Michigan.

Jorgensen Gane is running against Republican Aric Nesbitt. Nesbitt is anti-reproductive rights and supports election policies rooted in right-wing disinformation and conspiracy theories. Nesbitt is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan and the DeVos-backed Michigan Freedom Network.

Kim Jorgensen Gane is the most progressive choice in this race.

Learn more: https://www.friendsofkjg.com/

Winnie Brinks is an incumbent Democrat running for their second term to the Michigan State Senate in the 29th district. She currently serves on the Energy & Technology, Environmental Quality, and Health Policy and Human Services committees.

Brinks’ priorities include prioritizing education funding at a level that reduces class sizes, investing in small businesses, and ensuring every Michigander has access to high quality health care. She will fight to support veterans, protect our water by holding polluters accountable, and improve Michigan’s infrastructure. Brinks will also fight for transparency in government and protect voting rights.

Brinks is endorsed by eight of our partners: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, Sierra Club Michigan Chapter, Clean Water Action, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Michigan Education Association, and Equality Michigan.

Brinks is running against Republican Tommy Brann. Brann is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan and the DeVos-backed Michigan Freedom Network.


Winnie Brinks is the most progressive choice in this race.

Learn more: https://winniebrinks.com/

David LaGrand is a Democrat running for the Michigan State Senate for the 30th District. LaGrand currently serves in the Michigan House of Representatives in the 75th District. Before LaGrand was a representative, he served as an assistant Kent County prosecutor, city commissioner, and on the Grand Rapids Public School Board.

LaGrand’s priorities include protecting and improving public education, campaign finance and government transparency reform, promoting pay equity and paid sick leave, and protecting the environment and the Great Lakes. He will work to strengthen public safety, and bond and criminal justice reform. LaGrand will also fight for civil and reproductive rights.

LaGrand is endorsed by eight of our partners: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, Sierra Club Michigan Chapter, Clean Water Action, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Michigan Education Association, and Equality Michigan.

LaGrand is running against Republican Mark Huizenga. Huizenga is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan and the DeVos-backed Michigan Freedom Network.

David LaGrand is the most progressive choice in this race.

Learn more: http://www.davidlagrand.com/

Mark Bignell is a Democrat running for the Michigan State Senate for the 33rd District. Bignell has a Bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University.

Bignell’s priorities include fighting for an economy that works for everyone, supporting small family farms, expanding labor and career training, and protecting workers rights. He supports campaign finance reform, fully funding Michigan’s public schools, improving Michigan’s infrastructure, and increasing funding for mental health programs. He also supports clean energy policies, criminal justice reform, and reproductive freedom.

Bignell is endorsed by four of our partners: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, Michigan Education Association, and Equality Michigan.

Mark Bignell is running against Republican Rick Outman. Outman is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan and the DeVos-backed Michigan Freedom Network.

Mark Bignell is the most progressive choice in this race.

Learn more: https://www.bigmarkforsenate.com/

Leah Groves is a Democrat running for the Michigan House of Representatives for the 78th District. We were unable to find information on Groves.

Groves is endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers Michigan.

We cannot speak to the progressive bonafides of Groves due to a lack of publicly available information. However, Groves is running against republican Gina Johnsen. Johnsen is a pro-Trump, right-wing extremist who holds views on education rooted in anti-LGBTQ propaganda and right-wing misinformation and conspiracy theories. She believes in restricting voting rights and is anti-reproductive freedom and opposes “gun free” zones. She is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan and the DeVos-backed Michigan Freedom Network.

Because her opponent is so extreme, we recommend voting for Groves.

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/Grovesfor78th/

Kimberly Kennedy-Barrington is a Democrat running for the Michigan House of Representatives for the 79th District. Kennedy-Barrington is a Navy Veteran, a cancer survivor, diversely-abled, and an advocate who worked to dismantle ableism legislatively and economically.

Kennedy-Barringon’s priorities include safeguarding our right to vote, empowering small businesses, streamlining and expanding access to resources and benefits for veterans, and creating more fair housing.

Kennedy Barrington is endorsed by three of our partners: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, and Michigan Education Association.

Kennedy-Barrington is running against Angela Rigas. Rigas is a Trump Republican and right-wing extremist with far-right views rooted in conspiracy theories who attended the rally that led to the January 6 insurrection and is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan.

Kimberly Y. Kennedy-Barrington is the most progressive choice in this race.

Learn more: https://www.drkim4statehouse.com

Philip Skaggs is a Democrat running for the Michigan House of Representatives for the 80th District. Skaggs is a former history professor at Aquinas College and has also worked for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. He previously served as city commissioner for East Grand Rapids and is now a Kent County commissioner, where he has served for six years.

Skaggs’ priorities include supporting families, accelerating Michigan’s economy, investing in students, protecting the environment, and defending reproductive and civil rights. He will fight to protect abortion access, pass legislation making it clear it is illegal to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, and pass common sense gun violence prevention measures. Skaggs will work to ensure Michigan is prepared for climate change and supports renewable energy, push to fully fund public schools—including universal PreK—and support teachers, and work so all Michiganders have jobs with livable wages and good benefits.

Skaggs is endorsed by five of our partners: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, Michigan Education Association, and Equality Michigan.

Skaggs is running against Republican Jeffrey Johnson. Johnson supports conservative policy positions, including school voucher programs, which send public tax dollars to private schools. He is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan.

Phil Skaggs is the most progressive choice in this race.

Learn more: https://www.philskaggs.com

Rachel Hood is an incumbent Democrat running for her third term for Michigan’s House of Representatives. Hood has worked to improve her district for 20 years through various initiatives. Hood currently serves on the House Appropriations Committee and subcommittees on Education, Health and Human Services, and is Democratic Vice Chair for the subcommittee for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Hood believes in putting people first, transparency, and that science and data inform better decisions. Her priorities include protecting abortion access, supporting the economy in the wake of COVID-19, investing in education including in early childhood and affordable child care, and championing clean water and a clean energy future.

Hood is endorsed by eight of our partners: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, Sierra Club Michigan Chapter, Clean Water Action, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Michigan Education Association, and Equality Michigan.

Hood is running against Republican Lynn Afendoulis, who is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan and the DeVos-backed Michigan Freedom Network.

Rachel Hood is the most progressive choice in this race.

Learn more: hoodforthehouse.com/

Kristian Grant is a Democrat running for the Michigan House of Representatives for the 82nd District. Grant holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Relations and Policy from Michigan State University. She has spent the last 15 years working in public service in her community.

Grant’s priorities include fully funding public education, fighting for safe and affordable housing, and working to pass common sense gun safety legislation. She believes abortion is a human right, that police departments need reform so communities feel safe and respected, and that economic development means supporting small businesses.

Grant is endorsed by three of our partners: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, and Michigan Education Association.

Grant is running against Republican Ryan Malinoski. Malinoski is anti-reproductive freedom and opposes common sense gun violence prevention measures

Kristian is the most progressive choice in this race.

Learn more: https://electkristiangrant.com

John Fitzgerald is a Democrat running for the Michigan House of Representatives for the 83rd District. Fitzgerald comes from a family of public servants and community activists. He was elected to the Wyoming City Council in 2020 and serves as a volunteer for multiple community organizations.

Fitzgerald’s priorities include fighting to fully and equitably fund public schools, expanding access to affordable health care and mental health care, and investing in key industries and infrastructure improvements to boost Michigan’s economy. He will also fight to protect access to abortion and pass common sense gun violence prevention measures.

Fitzgerald is endorsed by five of our partners: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Michigan Education Association, and Equality Michigan.

Fitzgerald is running against Republican Lisa DeKryger. DyKryger is anti-reproductive freedom and is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan and the DeVos-backed organization Great Lakes Education Project.

John Fitzgerald is the most progressive choice in this race.

Learn more: https://johnformi.com

Carol Glanville is an incumbent Democrat running for her second term to the Michigan House of Representatives. Before she was elected to office, Glanville was a Walker city commissioner and served on various boards for local advocacy groups. She has experience as a teacher, administrator, consultant, and community leader.

Glanville’s priorities include fighting for a strong and equitable future for public education and finding ways to make higher education more affordable and accessible. She will push for investment in local infrastructure to bring about good-paying jobs and advocate for policies that protect our environment and ensure we have clean water.

Glanville is endorsed by six of our partners: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, Clean Water Action, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, and Michigan Education Association.

Glanville is running against Republican Mike Milanowski. Milanowski is anti-reproductive rights and is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan and the DeVos-backed Michigan Freedom Network.

Carol Glanville is the most progressive choice in this race.

Learn more: https://voteglanville.com

Sharon McConnon is a Democrat running for the Michigan House of Representatives for the 89th District. We were unable to locate information about McConnon.

McConnon is endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers Michigan.

We cannot speak to the progressive bonafides of McConnon due to a lack of publicly available information. However, McConnon is running against Republican Luke Meerman, who is decisively anti-progressive. Meerman is anti-reproductive rights and is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan and the DeVos-backed Michigan Freedom Network.

Because her opponent is so extreme, we recommend voting for McConnon.

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081796174014

Meagan Hintz is a Democrat running for the Michigan House of Representatives in the 90th District. She has a strong professional background in project management, process improvement, and financial management. She currently works as a senior analyst at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. She also worked as a group administrator and as a pharmacy technician. Hintz is passionate about health care policy, education, and civil rights, and supports reproductive rights.

Hintz is endorsed by American Federation of Teachers Michigan.

We cannot speak to the progressive bonafides of Hintz due to a lack of publicly available information. However, Hintz is running against Republican Bryan Posthumus, who is decidedly anti-progressive. Posthumus supports school vouchers and restricting access to the ballot box. He is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan and the DeVos-backed Michigan Freedom Network.

Because her opponent is so extreme, we recommend voting for Hintz.

Tammy DeVries is a Democrat running for the Michigan House of Representatives for the 91st District. Born in Grand Rapids and a resident of Cedar Springs, DeVries is a supervisor at Flex-Cable in Howard City. She is an active volunteer at numerous community organizations. DeVries supports reproductive rights and protecting the environment.

DeVries is endorsed by two of our partners: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan and the American Federation of Teachers Michigan.

DeVries is running against Republican Pat Outman. Outman supports Line 5 and restricting voting rights, and is against reproductive freedom and common sense gun violence prevention measures. He is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan and the DeVos-backed Michigan Freedom Network.

Tammy DeVries is the most progressive choice in this race.

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084899701684

Jerry Berta is a Democrat running for his first term on the Kent County Commission. He is an artist and teacher. He and his wife used to own Rosie’s Diner in downtown Rockford. We could find little information about the candidate’s platform.

While we cannot speak to the progressive bonafides of Berta due to a lack of publicly available information, Berta is running against Republican incumbent Ben Greene, who is decisively anti-progressive. Greene advocated against COVID-19 safety precautions and is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan.

Because of this information, we recommend voting for Berta.

Rebecca Diffin is a Democrat running for her first term on the Kent County Commission. She is the director of housing at the West Central Michigan YWCA.

We cannot speak to the progressive bonafides of Diffin due to a lack of publicly available information. However, Diffin is running against Republican incumbent Tom Antor, who is running for his 8th term on the Kent County Commission, having first been elected in 2008. Antor has a conservative platform and is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan.

Because of the information we have on her opponent, we recommend voting for Diffin.

Janalee Keegstra is a Democrat running for her first term on the Kent County Commission. We couldn’t find much information about Keegstra’s platform.

We cannot speak to the progressive bonafides of Keegstra due to a lack of publicly available information. However, Keegstra is running against Jennifer Merchant, a staffer with the Michigan House Republicans who is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan.

Because of the anti-progressive stances of her opponent, we recommend voting for Keegstra.

Judy Wood is a Democrat running for her first term on the Kent County Commission. We couldn’t find much information about Wood’s platform.

We cannot speak to the progressive bonafides of Wood due to a lack of publicly available information. However, Wood is running against Republican Katie DeBoer, who has a right-wing platform.

Based on the information we were able to find, we recommend voting for Wood.

Vanessa Lee is a Democrat running for Kent County Commission for the first time. She works for the Kent County Democratic Party. We couldn’t find much information about Lee’s platform, but she is a strong supporter of LGBTQ+ equality.

We cannot speak to the progressive bonafides of Lee due to a lack of publicly available information. However, Lee is running against Republican Dave Hildenbrand, who has a conservative platform and endorsement from anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan.

Based on this information, we recommend voting for Lee.

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/people/Vanessa-Lee-for-Kent-County-Commission/100081287842780/

Nicholas H. Vander Veen is a Democrat running for Kent County Commission for the first time. He is an attorney and partner at Brower Vander Veen law firm specializing in business and real estate law. Vander Veen has also represented medical professionals, specializing in dentists going through practice transitions. We couldn’t find much information about Vander Veen’s platform.

We cannot speak to the progressive bonafides of Vander Veen due to a lack of publicly available information. However, Vander Veen is running against Republican incumbent Stan Stek, who is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan.

Based on this information, we recommend voting for Vander Veen.

Sue Merrell is a Democrat running for her first term on the Kent County Commission. She spent two decades working at the Grand Rapids Press and her priorities include creating equitable solutions to addressing climate change, protecting the Great Lakes, and preventing gun violence.

Merrell is running against Republican incumbent Stan Ponstein, who we do not recommend due to his endorsement from the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan.

Sue Merrell is the most progressive candidate in this race.

Learn more: https://electsuemerrell.blogspot.com/

Jennie Chatman is a Democrat running for Kent County Commission for the first time. Chatman serves as Chair of the Michigan State Union Label & Service Trades Council. We couldn’t find much information about Chatman’s platform.

We cannot speak to the progressive bonafides of Chatman due to a lack of publicly available information. However, Chatman is running against Republican incumbent Dan Burrill, who is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan.

Based on this information, we recommend voting for Chatman.

Chip LaFleur is running for Kent County Commission for the first time. LaFleur works as a marketing professional. We couldn’t find much information about LaFleur’s platform.

We cannot speak to the progressive bonafides of LaFleur due to a lack of publicly available information. However, LaFleur is running against Republican incumbent Matt Kallman, who is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan.

Based on this information, we recommend voting for LaFleur.

Julie Humpheys is a Democrat running for Kent County Commission for the first time. Based on her campaign social media, Humphreys’ platform includes investing in infrastructure, including mass transit, and supporting a living wage.

Humphreys is running against Republican incumbent Emily Post Brieve, who we cannot recommend due to her endorsement from the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan.

Julie Humphreys is the best choice in this race.

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/kentcommissiondistrict10

John Considine is a Democrat running for Kent County Commission for the first time. We couldn’t find much information about this candidate’s platform.

Considine is running against Republican incumbent Lindsey Thiel. Thiel’s appointment was controversial. Republican commissioners voted to appoint Thiel—the daughter of their former colleague, Dan Koorndyk—but all eight Democratic commissioners voted to oppose Thiel’s appointment. Thiel worked as a corporate lobbyist and as a staff member for three conservative lawmakers in Lansing. Information about her platform is difficult to track down, but based on her track record and her endorsement from the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan, we do not recommend voting for Thiel.

While we cannot speak to the progressive bonafides of Considine due to a lack of publicly available information, but based on his extreme opponent, we recommend voting for Considine.

Michelle McCloud is a Democrat running for Kent County Commission for a second term. She is an assistant dean at Grand Valley State University. She has served on the city of Kentwood Zoning Board of Appeals and the Kent County Officers’ Compensation Commission. Her priorities include addressing mental health, expanding broadband access, and preventing gun violence.

McCloud is endorsed by the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter.

McCloud is running against Republican Tom McKelvey, who is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan.

Michelle McCloud is the best choice in this race.

Learn more: https://www.michellemccloud.com/

Carol Hennessy is a Democrat running for her 8th term on the Kent County Commission, she was first elected in 2006. She has served as minority vice chair of the Commission, making her the highest-ranking Democratic commissioner.

Hennessy’s priorities include health care, senior services, and COVID-19 relief. She is endorsed by the UAW and the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter.

Hennessy is running against Republican Jerri Schmidt. She formerly worked in the financial sector and now works as a consultant. We do not recommend voting for Schmidt.
Carol Hennessy is the most progressive choice in this race.

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/CommissionerCarolHennessy/

Lisa S. Oliver-King is a Democrat running for Kent County Commission for the first time. She is a lifelong advocate for public health and human rights and seeks to champion at-risk, disadvantaged and marginalized community residents and give them a voice. Oliver-King is the founder and executive of Our Kitchen Table, an organization that addresses food injustice. Her career as a public health professional included stints at the Kent County Health Department, the Michigan Public Health Institute and Hospice of Michigan.
Oliver-King is running against Republican Brian Boersema.
Lisa Oliver-King is the best choice in this race.
Learn more: https://www.lisao-k.com/

Melissa LaGrand is a Democrat running for Kent County Commission for the first time. She is a bakery owner and accessibility advocate. Justice, community health, and housing are important priorities for her.

LaGrand is endorsed by two of our partner organizations: the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan.

LaGrand is running against Republican John Brooks Twist.

Melissa LaGrand is the most progressive choice in this race.

Learn more: https://www.melissalagrand.com/

Tony Baker is a Democrat running for his first term on the Kent County Commission. He previously served on the Grand Rapids Public Schools Board for 14 years. While we could find little information about his platform, Baker is supportive of the Michigan Reproductive Freedom for All ballot initiative.

Baker is running against Republican Jason Gillikin. Gillikin is anti-reproductive rights.

Tony Baker is the most progressive choice in this race.

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/CTETonyBaker/

Stephen Wooden is a Democrat running for his third term on the Kent County Commission, having first been elected in 2018. Wooden works at a local housing nonprofit. He also worked as a staff member in the Michigan House of Representatives and on a number of campaigns.

The environment, higher wages, cost of living, and public health are Wooden’s major priorities. Wooden is endorsed by two of our partner organizations: the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan.

Wooden is running against Republican Tim Allen. We cannot recommend Allen due to his endorsement from anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan.

Stephen Wooden is the most progressive choice in this race.

Learn more: https://www.stephenwooden.com/

Kris Pachla is a Democrat running for his first term on the Kent County Commission. Pachla is endorsed by our partner organization Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan. Among his priorities are early childhood education, reproductive rights, and sustainability.

Pachla is running against Republican Samuel R. Carstens, who we cannot recommend due to his conservative platform and anti-choice stance.

Kris Pachla is the most progressive choice in this race.

Learn more: https://www.krispachla.com/

Ivan Diaz is a Democrat running for his first term for Kent County Commission. He is an outspoken advocate for unions, fair wages, and universal health care. Diaz is currently a student at Grand Valley State University studying political science. He is supported by local labor organizations.

Diaz is running against Republican Elisa Rodriguez.

Ivan Diaz is the best choice in this race.

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/people/Ivan-Diaz-for-Kent-County-Commissioner/100078727971393/?ref=py_c

Charles Howe is a Democrat running for his first term for Kent County Commission. We couldn’t find much information about his platform.

Howe is running against Republican Walter Bujak, who we do not recommend based on his right-wing platform.

While we cannot speak to the progressive bonafides of Howe due to a lack of publicly available information, based on the information we were able to find on Bujak, we recommend voting for Howe.