Grand Rapids Mayoral Election
The two leading candidates for the Grand Rapids Mayoral election are David LaGrand and Senita Lenear.
LaGrand is an owner of multiple small businesses across the city and has previously served as a city commissioner and state representative. Election | David LaGrand for GR Mayor | Grand Rapids
Lenear is a former two term city commissioner. She also served on the Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education, serving two years as Board president. Senita Lenear For 2024 Grand Rapids Mayoral Race – Committed | Proven Leadership | Collaborative | Results Driven (senitaformayor.com)
Third Ward City Commissioner
The Grand Rapids City Commission began the process of reviewing applicants for Third Ward City Commissioner.
- The Committee on Appointments (Commissioners Ysasi, Robbins and Perdue) had a brief discussion on eligible applicants, including removing two who did not provide required references.
- MLive covered the topic here. Applications for each candidate can be viewed on the City website.
- The Committee will interview the seven remaining applicants on February 20. Three finalists will be publicly interviewed by the City Commission on March 5 (a vote could happen as soon as that afternoon).
A brief overview of the applicants:
Marshall Kilgore
- Ran for Kalamazoo City Commission (2021) and Kalamazoo Public School Board (2020)
- Director of engagement for the West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC)
- Serves on the board of Seeds of Promise as well as on the City’s Vital Streets Oversight Committee, Housing Appeals Board, and Urban Agricultural Committee
Reginald Howard
- Serves on the City’s Civilian Appeals Board and Kent County Veterans Advisory Board
- U.S. Navy Veteran
- Lived in GR for 30 years
- Founder of Hero’s Corner – Hero’s Corner Grand Rapids (heroscornergrandrapids.org)
Bing Goei
- Former Director of the Michigan Office for New Americans
- Founder of the Goei Center, Former CEO of Eastern Floral and Gift Shop
- Served on the board of Degage Ministries and as a chairperson for the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce
John Krajewski
- Lived in Grand Rapids for 38 years
- Principal of Hopkins Elementary School with two decades in public education
- Former GRPD Officer
Barbara Snell
- Lived in GR for 68 years
- Healthcare paraprofessional at Godfrey-Lee Public Schools
- Served on the Kent County Community Corrections Board
Catherine Conklin
- Lived in Grand Rapids for 15 years
- Real estate agent for 616 Reality and small business owner
- Member of the Greater Regional Alliance of Realtors
Al Willis
- Lived in Grand Rapids for 5 years
- Self-employed contractor
We will continue to communicate updates as this process moves forward.
