Kent County

Vice President Kamala Harris is running for president and has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to serve as her vice president. Between them, Harris and Walz have a wealth of executive and legislative experience, and both have demonstrated a firm commitment to protecting our freedoms and fighting for a brighter future for all Americans.

Before serving as vice president, Kamala Harris was California’s Attorney General and served in the U.S. Senate. Tim Walz spent 24 years in the US Military before his professional career as a teacher and coach, before serving six terms in Congress and one full term as governor of Minnesota.

Harris and Walz’s vision for America centers on protecting the rights and freedoms of people across the country and fighting back against the attacks MAGA Republicans have launched on abortion access, LGBTQ+ equality, voting rights, and racial justice. They also aim to foster an economic environment where everyone can thrive, not just corporations and the wealthy, protect our environment from corporate polluters, and enact common-sense gun violence prevention laws to make us all safer.

Harris and Walz have been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: Clean Water Action, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, Michigan United Action, and Sierra Club - Michigan.

Vice President Harris’s opponent in this race is former president Donald Trump, a con man whose time in the White House was characterized by chaos, bigotry, and a focus on taking care of himself and his wealthy friends. Trump has selected Ohio Senator J.D. Vance to be his running mate. Vance has limited experience in governing and has followed Trump’s lead in spreading harmful racist, sexist, and anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda.

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are the most progressive choices in this race.

Vice President Kamala Harris is running for president and has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to serve as her vice president. Between them, Harris and Walz have a wealth of executive and legislative experience, and both have demonstrated a firm commitment to protecting our freedoms and fighting for a brighter future for all Americans.

Before serving as vice president, Kamala Harris was California’s Attorney General and served in the U.S. Senate. Tim Walz spent 24 years in the US Military before his professional career as a teacher and coach, before serving six terms in Congress and one full term as governor of Minnesota.

Harris and Walz’s vision for America centers on protecting the rights and freedoms of people across the country and fighting back against the attacks MAGA Republicans have launched on abortion access, LGBTQ+ equality, voting rights, and racial justice. They also aim to foster an economic environment where everyone can thrive, not just corporations and the wealthy, protect our environment from corporate polluters, and enact common-sense gun violence prevention laws to make us all safer.

Harris and Walz have been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: Clean Water Action, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, Michigan United Action, and Sierra Club - Michigan.

Vice President Harris’s opponent in this race is former president Donald Trump, a con man whose time in the White House was characterized by chaos, bigotry, and a focus on taking care of himself and his wealthy friends. Trump has selected Ohio Senator J.D. Vance to be his running mate. Vance has limited experience in governing and has followed Trump’s lead in spreading harmful racist, sexist, and anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda.

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are the most progressive choices in this race.

Rep. Elissa Slotkin, who has represented Michigan for three terms in Congress as a member of the House of Representatives, is running this year for her first term representing Michigan in the U.S. Senate.

Rep. Slotkin spent much of her career working on national security issues for the federal government. After losing her mother to cancer and witnessing firsthand the way families dealing with a serious illness must also navigate tremendous financial stress, she decided to run for Congress and work toward a more just healthcare system.

In addition to taking on big pharma and insurance companies, Rep. Slotkin’s policy priorities include creating safer communities via gun violence prevention laws, protecting abortion rights, reducing inequality and ensuring all families have what they need to thrive, and defending our democracy and voting rights.

Rep. Slotkin has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Association for Justice, Michigan Education Association, Michigan United Action, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, Sierra Club - Michigan.

Rep. Slotkin’s opponent is Mike Rogers, a Trump-endorsed candidate who shares many of the former president’s priorities, including harsh, authoritarian immigration and policing policies, criminalizing abortion, and supporting corporations over everyday Americans. Mike Rogers recently moved back to Michigan after living in Florida for years in order to run for the U.S. Senate.

Rep. Elissa Slotkin is the most progressive choice in this race.

Michael Lynch is a father, teacher, and lifelong advocate for working families who is currently running for his first term in Congress to represent the 2nd District.

Lynch’s policy platform is centered on family, farms, and freedom and includes policies like ensuring access to affordable healthcare and housing, strengthening our public schools, combating climate change, uplifting small, family-owned farms, and protecting every American’s right to vote.

Lynch has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, and Michigan Education Association.

Lynch’s opponent in this race is Rep. John Moolenaar, a MAGA Republican who voted to overturn legitimate election results in 2020 and supports dangerous policies like criminalizing abortion. Moolenar is also endorsed by the anti-reproductive freedom organization Right to Life Michigan.

Michael Lynch is the most progressive choice in this race.

Rep. Hillary Scholten is a lifelong West Michigander who is running for her second term in Congress to represent the 3rd District.

Rep. Scholten was inspired to get into politics by the families she knew who worked hard, played by the rules, and still struggled to make ends meet because the system is rigged in favor of the wealthy. Her policy platform includes protecting reproductive freedom, ensuring access to affordable healthcare, preventing gun violence, supporting public schools, and creating an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy. During her first term, she helped bring critical funding for a variety of important priorities to her district, including $750k for community violence intervention.

Rep. Scholten hashave been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Association for Justice, Michigan Education Association, Michigan United Action, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, and Sierra Club - Michigan.

Rep. Scholten’s opponent in this race is Paul Hudson, a Republican with the wrong priorities for Michigan, including harsher treatment of immigrants, increased policing instead of evidence-backed gun violence prevention laws, and policies that favor corporations over everyday Americans—he even signed a pledge never to vote for any increases in taxes on corporations or individuals, no matter how wealthy.

Rep. Hillary Scholten is the most progressive choice in this race.

Christine Terpening is a Democrat running for her first term as representative for House District 78.

We cannot speak to the progressive bonafides of Terpening due to limited available information. However, Terpening is running against pro-life and constitutional conservative Republican incumbent Gina Johnsen, who is decidedly anti-progressive. Johnsen is endorsed by the anti-reproductive freedom organization Right to Life Michigan and the anti-public education, DeVos-backed organization the Great Lakes Education Project.

Because her opponent is so extreme, we believe Christine Terpening is the better choice in this race.

Jason Rubin is a Democrat running for his first term as representative for House District 79. Rubin is a dedicated community member, small business owner, and advocate for educational improvement, deeply rooted in family values and innovation. His journey from participating in school activities to founding IMS Supply, a successful company in the industrial manufacturing sector, reflects his commitment to hard work, technology, and societal progress. Jason's passion for education and belief in its power to address societal challenges is evident in both his professional endeavors and personal life.

Rubin is running against MAGA Republican incumbent Angela Rigas who has voted against a bill to make child marriage illegal and all gun safety bills that have been introduced. She has publicly heckled survivors of the MSU shooting and also participated in the riot at the US Capitol on January 6th, 2021 and called it the highlight of her life. Rigas is also endorsed by the anti-reproductive freedom organization Right to Life Michigan and the anti-public education, DeVos-backed organization the Great Lakes Education Project.

Rubin has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, and the Michigan Association for Justice.

Jason Rubin is the better choice in this race.

Phil Skaggs is an incumbent Democrat running for his second term in the Michigan House of Representatives in the 80th District. He is the current representative for the 80th District and serves as a member of the Appropriations committee.

​​Skaggs served in a historic legislative session with a Democratic majority that took major strides forward on key progressive issues. The Democratic majority passed the Reproductive Health Act, ensuring all Michiganders can make their own decisions about how and when to start a family, gave Michigan's kids free school breakfast and lunch and additional funds to support our students, and passed common sense gun violence prevention measures. Putting hard-working Michiganders' first, they also quintupled the Working Families Tax Credit, got rid of the retirement tax, and got rid of so-called "right to work" anti-worker legislation to ensure workers have bargaining power to stand up to greedy corporations. Skaggs also helped expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and codify parts of the Affordable Care Act into law that protect LGBTQ+ Michiganders from discrimination in healthcare, housing, and the workplace.
He has a record of results that support all Michigan families. He will work to protect reproductive freedom, ensure common sense gun safety laws, and advocate for students across the state.

Skaggs has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Equality Michigan Action Network, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Service Employees International Union - Michigan, and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan.

Skaggs is running against Republican Bill Sage.

Skaggs is the most progressive choice in this race.

Stephen Wooden is a Democrat running for his first term as representative for House District 81. Wooden is running for state representative because he believes in building solutions that support the common dreams of all people, rooted in the values of community and mutual care he learned during his early years in New York City.

His personal experiences, including dealing with rising costs and his son's rare food allergy, fuel his commitment to ensuring no one has to worry about affording essentials like food or medicine. With nearly a decade of experience helping Michiganders save on utility bills and creating affordable housing, Stephen is dedicated to making life better for everyday families.

Wooden has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Equality Michigan Action Network, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Association for Justice, Michigan Education Association, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Michigan United Action, Service Employees International Union - Michigan, and Sierra Club - Michigan.

Wooden is running against Republican Jordan Youngquist, who is anti-reproductive freedom and endorsed by the anti-public education, DeVos-backed organization the Great Lakes Education Project.

Stephen Wooden is the most progressive choice in this race.

Kristian Grant is an incumbent Democrat running for her second term in the Michigan House of Representatives in the 82th District. She is the current representative for the 82th District and serves as chair of the Economic Development and Small Business subcommittee, majority vice chair of the Economic Development and Small Business committee, and a member of the committees on Insurance and Financial Services, Regulatory Reform, and Tax Policy.

​​Grant served in a historic legislative session with a Democratic majority that took major strides forward on key progressive issues. The Democratic majority passed the Reproductive Health Act, ensuring all Michiganders can make their own decisions about how and when to start a family, gave Michigan's kids free school breakfast and lunch and additional funds to support our students, and passed common sense gun violence prevention measures. Putting hard-working Michiganders' first, they also quintupled the Working Families Tax Credit, got rid of the retirement tax, and got rid of so-called "right to work" anti-worker legislation to ensure workers have bargaining power to stand up to greedy corporations. Grant also helped expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and codify parts of the Affordable Care Act into law that protect LGBTQ+ Michiganders from discrimination in healthcare, housing, and the workplace.

Before taking office, Grant dedicated more than a decade to public service and community building. During that time she founded multiple organizations, volunteered for causes she believes in—such as protecting reproductive freedom—started a business, and invested in the growth of the Grand Rapids community.

Grant has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Michigan United Action, Service Employees International Union - Michigan, Sierra Club - Michigan, and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan.

Grant is running against Republican Ryan Malinoski.

Grant is the most progressive choice in this race.

John Fitzgerald is an incumbent Democrat running for his second term in the Michigan House of Representatives in the 83rd District. He is the current representative for the 83rd District and serves as chair of the Local Government and Municipal Finance committee and member of the committees on Agriculture; Health Policy; Insurance and Financial Services; and Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure.

​​Fitzgerald served in a historic legislative session with a Democratic majority that took major strides forward on key progressive issues. The Democratic majority passed the Reproductive Health Act, ensuring all Michiganders can make their own decisions about how and when to start a family, gave Michigan's kids free school breakfast and lunch and additional funds to support our students, and passed common sense gun violence prevention measures. Putting hard-working Michiganders' first, they also quintupled the Working Families Tax Credit, got rid of the retirement tax, and got rid of so-called "right to work" anti-worker legislation to ensure workers have bargaining power to stand up to greedy corporations. Fitzgerald] also helped expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and codify parts of the Affordable Care Act into law that protect LGBTQ+ Michiganders from discrimination in healthcare, housing, and the workplace.

Since being elected to the Michigan House of Representatives, John has secured significant legislative wins, including sponsoring laws that mandate defibrillators, staff training, and emergency plans in schools. As chair of the Local Government and Municipal Finance Committee, he has effectively navigated Lansing, securing nearly $70M in grants for his district.

Fitzgerald has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Equality Michigan Action Network, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Michigan United Action, Service Employees International Union - Michigan, Sierra Club - Michigan, and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan.

Fitzgerald is running against Republican Tommy Brann, who is anti-reproductive freedom and endorsed by the anti-public education, DeVos-backed organization the Great Lakes Education Project.

Fitzgerald is the most progressive choice in this race.

Carol Glanville is an incumbent Democrat running for her second term in the Michigan House of Representatives in the 84th District. She is the current representative for the 84th District and serves as chair of the Higher Education Committee and member of the committees on Education; Families, Children and Seniors; and Health Policy.

​​Glanville served in a historic legislative session with a Democratic majority that took major strides forward on key progressive issues. The Democratic majority passed the Reproductive Health Act, ensuring all Michiganders can make their own decisions about how and when to start a family, gave Michigan's kids free school breakfast and lunch and additional funds to support our students, and passed common sense gun violence prevention measures. Putting hard-working Michiganders' first, they also quintupled the Working Families Tax Credit, got rid of the retirement tax, and got rid of so-called "right to work" anti-worker legislation to ensure workers have bargaining power to stand up to greedy corporations. Glanville also helped expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and codify parts of the Affordable Care Act into law that protect LGBTQ+ Michiganders from discrimination in healthcare, housing, and the workplace.

Glanville believes this election is a chance for Michigan to build on the progress made, protecting key achievements like reproductive healthcare access, clean water, common sense gun safety legislation, and workers' rights.

Glanville has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Equality Michigan Action Network, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Association for Justice, Michigan Education Association, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Michigan United Action, Service Employees International Union - Michigan, Sierra Club - Michigan, and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan.

Glanville is running against Republican John Wetzel, who is endorsed by the anti-reproductive freedom organization Right to Life Michigan and the anti-public education, DeVos-backed organization the Great Lakes Education Project.

Glanville is the most progressive choice in this race.

Lois Maassen is a Democrat running for election for his first term to the Michigan House of Representatives for House District 89. Maassen advocates for unity and innovative solutions to shared challenges, emphasizing collaborative and pragmatic approaches.

Maassen’s values include strengthening democracy by ensuring accessible and truthful information for all voters, addressing climate change to protect future generations, and fostering thriving communities with strong public education and comprehensive support systems. Maassen’s extensive background in marketing, community service, and nonprofit leadership reflects her commitment to these principles.

Maassen is running against incumbent Luke Meerman, who is endorsed by the anti-reproductive freedom organization Right to Life Michigan and the anti-public education, DeVos-backed organization the Great Lakes Education Project.

Lois Maassen is the better choice in this race.

William Higgins is a Democrat running for his first term as representative for House District 90.

We cannot speak to the progressive bonafides of Higgins due to limited available information. However, Higgins is running against Republican incumbent Bryan Posthumus, who is decidedly anti-progressive. Higgins is endorsed by the anti-public education, DeVos-backed organization the Great Lakes Education Project.

Because of this, we believe William Higgins is the better choice in this race.

Jason Dillingham is a Democrat running for election for his first term in the Michigan House of Representatives for House District 91. He is both a veteran and a pastor. Dillingham supports expanding clean energy production and efforts to protect the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination. He also hopes to promote racial justice and protect reproductive freedom.

Dillingham is running against MAGA Republican incumbent Pat Outman. Endorsed by former President Donald Trump, Outman supports restricting voting rights, and is against reproductive freedom and common sense gun violence prevention measures. He is endorsed by the anti-reproductive freedom organization Right to Life Michigan, the DeVos-backed Michigan Freedom Network, and the anti-public education, DeVos-backed organization the Great Lakes Education Project.

Jason Dillingham is the better choice in this race.

Steve Draft-Peppin is a Democrat running for election to become the Kent County prosecutor.

Draft-Peppin is running against incumbent Republican Chris Becker.

Given the limited information we have about Draft-Peppin and the information we have on Becker, we are recommending voters consider Steve Draft-Peppin over Chris Becker.

Scott Urbanowski is a Democrat running for Kent County clerk and register of deeds. He has worked for years at a grassroots level to help people engage with their government, including registering voters, collecting ballot proposal signatures, working the polls, and becoming a notary. Urbanowski is dedicated to promoting civic engagement, transparency, voter education, and supporting local clerks and election workers.

Urbanowski has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: Equality Michigan Action Network, Michigan Education Association, and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan.

Urbanowski is running against incumbent Republican Lisa Posthumus Lyons, who previously served in the Michigan State Legislature, where she supported legislation that was anti-campaign finance transparency. In her political career, she has also received financial support from the DeVos family.

Scott Urbanowski is the best choice in this race.

Daniel N’Kombo is a Democrat running for Kent County treasurer. His core values and beliefs include equality, justice, compassion, accountability, integrity, innovation, progress, and sustainability. N’Kombo’s priorities include reforms to increase available affordable housing, investing in infrastructure including eco-friendly transportation, and advocating for fair wages.

N’Kombo is running against Republican incumbent Peter MacGregor, who formerly served in both the Michigan Senate and House.

Daniel N’Kombo is the best choice in this race.

Matthew M. Morey is a Democrat running for Kent County drain commissioner.

Morey is running against Republican incumbent Ken Yonker, who formerly served in the Michigan House of Representatives.

Based on the information we have on both candidates, we are recommending voters consider Morey over Yonker.

Jerry Berta is a Democrat running for his first term on the Kent County Board of Commissioners. He is an artist and teacher and used to own Rosie’s Diner in downtown Rockford with his wife. Berta believes in taking care of the neediest among us, ensuring access to clean water and safe neighborhoods, and empowering schools to meet student needs.

Berta is running against Republican incumbent Ben Greene, who is decidedly anti-progressive. Greene advocated against COVID-19 safety precautions and is endorsed by the anti-reproductive freedom organization Right to Life Michigan.

Because his opponent is so anti-progressive, we believe Jerry Berta is the best choice in this race.

Russell C. Yonkers is a Democrat running for election to the Kent County Board of Commissioners.

Yonkers is running against Republican Elizabeth Morse.

Given the limited information we have about both candidates, we are unable to determine whether either candidate could be considered progressive to any degree, but at this time we are recommending voters consider Russell C. Yonkers over Elizabeth Morse based on the information we were able to find.

Jenn Merchant is a Republican running unopposed for the Kent County Board of Commissioners.

There is no good choice in this race.

Judy Wood is a Democrat running for election to the Kent County Board of Commissioners. Wood holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Illinois.

We cannot speak to the progressive bonafides of Wood due to a lack of publicly available information. However, Wood is running against Republican incumbent Katie DeBoer, who is decidedly anti-progressive.

Because her opponent is so right-wing, we believe Judy Wood is the best choice in this race.

Vanessa Lee is a Democrat running for the Kent County Board of Commissioners. We couldn’t find much information about Lee’s platform, but she is a strong supporter of LGBTQ+ equality.

Lee is running against Republican Dave Hildenbrand, a former state senator who supported the confirmation of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and was aligned with the right-wing, corporate-backed American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) while in office. He has a conservative platform and endorsement from anti-reproductive freedom organization Right to Life Michigan.

Because her opponent is so decidedly anti-progressive, we believe Vanessa E. Lee is the best choice in this race.

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’s priorities include sustainable and affordable housing, promoting skilled trades, supporting unions and workers, and expanding public transit. He will fight for public education by working towards smaller classrooms, better pay for teachers, and affordable early childhood development programs.

Vander Veen has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: Michigan Education Association and Michigan League of Conservation Voters.

Vander Veen is running against Republican incumbent Stan Stek.

Nicholas Vander Veen is the best choice in this race.

Sonia Riley is a Democrat running for election to the Kent County Board of Commissioners. Riley is a local business owner and wife who is committed to ensuring that the voices of everyday people are heard loud and clear. She has a deep connection to Kent County from hands-on involvement in local organizations, events, and initiatives. Riley is focused on economic development and helping small businesses, upgrading roads and public transportation, creating affordable housing solutions, and ensuring access to quality healthcare and mental health services.

Riley has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organization: Michigan League of Conservation Voters.

Riley is running against Republican incumbent Stan Ponstein, who has a conservative platform.

Sonia Riley is the best choice in this race.

Chris Herweyer is a Democrat running for election to the Kent County Board of Commissioners. He is a lifelong resident of Wyoming who wants to ensure all residents have access to affordable housing, that Kent County builds a path to greater sustainability and growth, and that our children’s education is supported. Herweyer currently works for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters and has previously managed political campaigns in west Michigan and served as legislative director for State Representative John Fitzgerald.

Herweyer has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: Michigan Education Association, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Sierra Club - Michigan, and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan.

Herweyer is running against Republican incumbent Dan Burrill.

Chris Herweyer is the best choice in this race.

Roslund Harris is a Democrat running for election to the Kent County Board of Commissioners. She has nearly three decades of experience in the health insurance industry and has lived in Gaines Township for 20 years. Harris is a former union member and a People First Advocate for domestic violence and elder abuse. She is committed to enhancing services for seniors and veterans, prioritizing mental health resources, and enhancing Kent County’s parks and recreation. Harris will advocate for fair, transparent, and accountable courts; access to clean water; and supporting farmers.

Harris is running against Republican Robin Halsted who holds conservative policy views and is anti-reproductive freedom.

Roslund Harris is the best choice in this race.

Alyssa Joy Arnemann is a Democrat running for election to the Kent County Board of Commissioners.

We cannot speak to the progressive bonafides of Arnemann due to limited publicly available information. However, Arnemann is running against Republican incumbent Lindsey Thiel, who holds conservative policy views. Because of this, we believe Alyssa Joy Arnemann is the best choice in this race.

Monica Sparks is an incumbent Democrat running for re-election for her third term on the Kent County Board of Commissioners. She is focused on protecting Kent County residents including seniors, veterans, and those with special needs. Sparks will fight for families, affordable housing, clean air and water, and access to mental health and healthcare services.

Sparks has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: Equality Michigan Action Network and Michigan League of Conservation Voters.

Sparks is running against Republican H. Lee White.

Monica Sparks is the best choice in this race.

Michelle McCloud is an incumbent Democrat running for re-election to the Kent County Board of Commissioners. Her priorities include safe schools and neighborhoods, effective broadband service for everyone, accessible mental health systems, services for seniors and veterans, and waste and recycling services.

McCloud has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: Equality Michigan Action Network, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Sierra Club - Michigan, and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan.

McCloud is running against MAGA Republican Nick Prill who has expressed right-wing extreme views on the LGBTQ+ community and reproductive freedom.

Michelle McCloud is the best choice in this race.

Carol M. Hennessy is an incumbent Democrat running for re-election to the Kent County Board of Commissioners, where she has served since 2006. She has also served on numerous boards and supports local events and community organizations. Hennessy’s priorities include services for seniors, affordable housing, eliminating lead poisoning, and supporting Kent County residents with effective health and mental health programs.

Hennessy has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: Michigan League of Conservation Voters and Sierra Club - Michigan.

Hennessy is running against Republican Catherine Edwards.

Carol M. Hennessy is the best choice in this race.

Lisa S. Oliver-King is a Democrat running for election to the Kent County Board of Commissioners. 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. Her career as a public health professional included stints at the Kent County Health Department, the Michigan Public Health Institute, and the Hospice of Michigan. Oliver-King will fight for clean water, safe roads, affordable housing, and robust mental and physical health services.

Oliver-King has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: Equality Michigan Action Network and Michigan League of Conservation Voters.

Oliver-King is running against Republican Alexa Otte.

Lisa S. Oliver-King is the best choice in this race.

Melissa LaGrand is a Democrat running for election to the Kent County Board of Commissioners. She is a small business owner, the mother of a daughter who is blind, and served six years on the Cherry Health board where she advocated for state and federal funding to increase access to high quality healthcare. Her priorities include justice reforms, health care, smart land use, equitable economic growth, and environmental justice. LaGrand will fight to support those struggling with insecurity in work, housing, or essential services.

LaGrand is running against Republican Emil Savoy.

Melissa LaGrand is the best choice in this race.

Robert Womack is an incumbent Democrat running for re-election to the Kent County Board of Commissioners, where he has served since 2016. He has successfully advocated for grants that address equitable housing and small business loans in Kent County. Womack has been appointed by Governor Whitmer to the Michigan State Black Leadership Council and the Michigan State Arts and Cultural Committee. He will advocate for universal access to clean water, unpolluted air, and a sustainable environment.

Womack is running against Republican Jason Gillikin.

Robert Womack is the best choice in this race.

Steve Faber is a Democrat running for election to the Kent County Board of Commissioners. He has lived in Grand Rapids for more than 20 years and founded Friends of Grand Rapids Parks to revitalize public spaces. His priorities include reducing living costs, expanding affordable housing, and safeguarding our environment. Faber will fight to make neighborhoods safer, tackle the mental health crisis, and protect reproductive freedom. He will also work to enhance green spaces, promote sustainable waste management, and preserve farmland.

Faber has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Sierra Club - Michigan, and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan.

Faber is running against Republican Tim Allen, who is anti-reproductive freedom and holds conservative policy positions.

Steve Faber is the best choice in this race.

Kris Pachla is an incumbent Democrat running for re-election to the Kent County Board of Commissioners. He believes in working towards a Kent County that is inclusive, supports all individuals, families and children, and invests into all our communities. His priorities include supporting and expanding early childhood support systems, addressing affordable housing, protecting reproductive freedom, and ensuring a clean environment and sustainable future.

Pachla has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: Equality Michigan Action Network, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, and Sierra Club - Michigan.

Pachla is running against Republican Karen G. Machiorlatti.

Kris Pachla is the best choice in this race.

Nancy L. Morales is a Democrat running for election to the Kent County Board of Commissioners. Morales has a long history of community-facing work including working at a local library, teaching art workshops and classes, managing a community garden, and working as a climate justice advocate. Her priorities include ensuring small businesses have access to resources, protecting our clean air and water, advocating for affordable housing and livable wages, fighting for accessible healthcare and childcare, and ensuring our public schools are supported.

Morales has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Michigan United Action, and We the People - Michigan.

Morales is running against Republican Derek Anderson, who is anti-LGBTQ+, supports book bans, and pushes dangerous conspiracy theories about supporting LGBTQ+ inclusivity in schools.

Nancy L. Morales is the best choice in this race.