Seven candidates in primary for gubernatorial seat, 3rd Congressional District

In the Aug. 3 primary election, five republicans and two democrats are running for party backing and eventually Michigan's 4-year gubernatorial seat. The same amount are in the primary race for Michigan's 3rd Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, a two-year term. 

Governor of Michigan

Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, State Senator Tom George, U.S. Congressman Pete Hoekstra and businessman Rick Snyder are vying for the Republican Party's backing in the governor's race. Lansing Mayor Virg Bernaro and State House Speaker Andy Dillon are vying for the Democratic Party's backing.

3rd Congressional District, U.S. House of Representatives

In the 3rd Congressional District, State Representative Justin Amash, State Senator Bill Hardiman, businessman Steve Heacock, lawyer Louise "Ellie" Johnson and Air Force Veteran Bob Overbeek are running for the Republican Party's backing. Businessman Paul Mayhue and lawyer Patrick Miles, Jr. are running for the Democratic Party's backing.

29th District, State Senate

Two Democrats and three Republicans are in the running for party backing and a senate seat in the state's 29th District. State Representsative Robert Dean and small business owner and attorney David LaGrand are running in the Democratic primary. State Representative Dave Hildenbrand, business owner Judith "Faye" Kapteyn and part-time non-profit ministry coordinator Lori Wiersma are vying for the Republican Party's backing. The 29th District seat race is for a 4-year term and covers part of Kent County, including Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Lowell and Cascade, Grattan, Lowell, and Vergennes townships.

75th and 76th District, State Representatives

The City of Grand Rapids is bisected by two state representative districts, the 75th on the east and the 76th on the west. In the 75th District, Republicans Jordan Bush and Bing Goei are running for their party's backing, while Democrat Brandon Dillon is running unopposed. In the 76th District, Democrat Roy Schmidt and Republican Marc Tonnemacher are running unopposed after the withdrawal of Republican Patrick Miller.

Grand Rapids residents will also be voting in one of seven Kent County Commission districts, depending on which polling district they live in.

For more information on Kent County elections, visit Access Kent.