OCDP-ENDORSED INCUMBENTS
Hillary Scholten
3rd Congressional District
Hillary’s story starts in West Michigan, where she was born and raised. Her mother was a Grand Rapids Public School teacher, and her father worked as a local reporter for the Grand Rapids Press. Through their work, Hillary was introduced to people who didn’t have their voices heard or their stories told by the decision-makers in their lives.
Their work and stories of these families inspired Hillary’s own career in public service, first as a social worker helping individuals facing homelessness, and then as an attorney. She served our country in the U.S. Department of Justice, where she took an oath to uphold our Constitution, and worked to create fair and moral laws.
Hillary’s dedication to service inspired her to bring her knowledge and experience back home to West Michigan, where she serves her community as an attorney, a deacon in her church, and an engaged neighbor. She and her husband, Jesse, a local college professor, are raising their two rambunctious boys right around the corner from where her grandfather grew up.
Now, Hillary understands that the most important issues facing West Michigan – healthcare, protecting a woman's right to choose, and boosting the bottom line for hard-working families – are all on the line. With her experience as a public interest attorney and her lifelong value of service equipping and inspiring her, she is ready to become her community’s voice in Washington.
Doug Zylstra
3rd District County Commissioner
Doug Zylstra was elected to the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners in 2018. to represent the city of Holland. As county Commissioner, his goal is to continue to work to fulfill our mission of making Ottawa County a place where we all belong.
Chris Kleinjans
2nd District County Commission
As a native Hollander and longtime resident of District 2, Chris Kleinjans has a deep understanding of the district's unique opportunities and challenges. He is a 1986 graduate of Holland High School and a veteran, having served honorably in the U.S. Navy for four years. After returning home and marrying his wife, Sarah, Kleinjans went back to college on the GI Bill. He and Sarah moved to the District 2 area nearly 30 years ago, where they raised their two boys. They have one grandchild.
Kleinjans has a 25-year history of working in the nonprofit sector. His lifetime commitment to service extends to the wider community as well. He is a volunteer with the Ottawa County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and as a member of the board of Community Mental Health of Ottawa County (CMHOC) and the Advisory Board of Ottawa Food. Kleinjans is also a member of the American Legion and VFW.
“District 2 is the crossroads of the county, with a high degree of diversity in many aspects,” Kleinjans said. “With that comes an understanding of what it takes to strive for a better future. We know how to work, and we know what works. People with this much hustle and this much strength deserve representation equal to their aspirations.”
OCDP-ENDORSED CANDIDATES
Danielle Smith
Ottawa County Commission, District 1
Danielle Smith is committed to promoting fiscal responsibility and ethical governance, reinvesting in health services, and restoring our County’s reputation as a place where all people belong. She pledges to participate in healthy and respectful dialogue and debate across party lines to effect positive change.
Becky Patrick
Ottawa County Commission, District 8
Becky Patrick is, in the words of the Holland Sentinel, “arguably one of the most civically engaged citizens in Ottawa County in 2023.” This civic engagement led her to declare her candidacy for the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners, representing District 8, Allendale Township.
She is the former West Michigan Regional Director for the Michigan Departments of Natural Resources and Environmental Quality. She is running to restore trust and fiscal responsibility in county government, and to make progress on things like mental health and groundwater/drinking water availability that affect many county residents.
Chris Crothers
Ottawa County Commission, District 4
Chris Crothers is running to restore responsible governance to Ottawa County. Together we can move on from our current dysfunctional board and build a more inclusive, transparent, fiscally responsible, and equitable future for our community.
Angela Stanford-Butler
Ottawa County Commission, District 9
Two years after Ottawa Impact took office, our county is worse for wear. I'm one of many who have decided it's time to stand up and take our county back. Back to good governance, transparency and sound financial decision making. We need to work for everyone in Ottawa County, not just for some. We need to win in November to stabilize our local government before the current chaos and rampant spending endangers our hard won AAA bond rating, protect our health department so that they can protect our community and get back to the job of planning for the future.
Michelle Dieleman
Ottawa County Commission, District 6
I love my community and believe in the principle of service. I am running as a moderate Democrat, because I am deeply concerned about the erosion of our county’s integrity and reputation as a result of the current board’s leadership. I believe in democratic representation and that you deserve a choice in this election.
Elissa Slotkin
United States Senate
Elissa’s story is one of hard work, community, and service. Those are the values she learned growing up in Michigan, and they’re the values that she’ll bring to the U.S. Senate.
A third generation Michigander, Elissa was shaped by her early life on her family farm in Holly, Michigan. Elissa has dedicated her life to serving our country and protecting our homeland – first in the CIA, where she served three tours in Iraq alongside the U.S. military, and later at the White House, State Department, and finally at the Pentagon.
Her family story is “made in Michigan,” starting with her great-grandfather. He came to the United States and lived the American Dream when he founded the family meat business, Hygrade Foods. The company created a number of food staples beloved by Michiganders, including the famous Ballpark Frank, first sold at Tiger Stadium.
Jessica Swartz
4th Congressional District
West Michiganders just want to live our lives - we wake up every day, work hard, play by the rules, earn enough to put food on our kitchen tables, and treat our families to something special every once in a while. Our government should be working to cut costs and help working families keep more of what they earn, but all we get from Washington politicians is partisan extremism and gridlock.
There is more that unites us than divides us. I believe we all agree that no matter who you are or where you come from, if you work hard you deserve a shot at the American dream.
Michael Lynch
2nd Congressional District
Michael Lynch resides and works in Gratiot County and is the proud father of one daughter. Michael spent his childhood living in various places with his father, an Air Force officer, and his mother who was a Marine. Michael is a manager with the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan and has earned several teaching awards for his work as a lecturer and instructor at universities including DePaul University, West Virginia University and Georgetown University. He is an Eagle Boy Scout and his political experience includes campaigning for Jimmy Carter, Michael Dukakis, Al Gore, and Bill Clinton. A lifelong advocate for working- and middle-class families, Michael Lynch supports affordable health care, labor/unions, the right to choose, and responsible gun legislation.
Marcia Mansaray
Michigan State House, 85th District
As Deputy Health Officer in one of Michigan's fastest-growing counties, Marcia Mansaray has earned the public’s trust and appreciation — for her integrity, her experience, and her heart for people.
Abby Klomparens
Michigan State House, 86th District
Abby grew up in Holland watching the two most important people in her life committed to the well-being of our community. Both her parents are beloved retired educators in Holland Public Schools. Her father, Wayne, was a long-time Holland City Councilmember.
Abby’s own career has centered on public engagement. She has served at the local, state, and federal levels of government, and is now ready to represent us in Lansing as the next State Representative for District 86. We can count on her fresh perspective, true engagement, and committed advocacy to community issues that matter to every family in greater Holland.
Tim Meyer
Michigan State House, 88th District
I recently asked a couple dozen people to name their state Representative-not a single person got it right! For decades, this gerrymandered district has been represented by someone who didn’t make waves or good policy but was backed by wealthy donors with specific interests. Thanks to the volunteers who put Proposal 2 of 2018 on the ballot, we have a new district, created by a citizens' commission, centered on the Tri-Cities, Norton Shores and the surrounding area.
You see me at First Presbyterian Church, my kids went to area schools with your kids, and you see me riding my bike on Lakeshore Drive. I’m easy to reach as a candidate, I listen, and I promise to be available to you as your Representative.
Lois Maassen
Michigan State House, 89th District
Lois Maassen was born and raised in West Michigan, the daughter of a pastor and a public school teacher. A corporate career taught her about strategy, collaboration, and the importance of real information; from raising three kids to adulthood she developed empathy and patience. She is a long-time community volunteer, from leading a Girl Scout troop to chairing nonprofit boards.
It was her 8-year-old granddaughter who inspired Lois to run for office. “I couldn’t imagine her growing up with fewer rights than I had as a young woman. I’ll do what I can to assure that she can grow up in a functioning democracy, on a livable planet, and in a community that recognizes the full humanity and citizenship of all of its members.”
Every level of government is important. The state legislature can make a difference “for the people, by the people” in protecting voting and democratic participation, mitigating climate change, and in helping communities to thrive. We all need affordable housing, accessible health care, quality education, and fulfilling work.
Lois is recommended by the Michigan Education Association.
Kyra Harris Bolden
Michigan Supreme Court.
Justice Kyra Harris Bolden is serving her second year on the Michigan Supreme Court and remains committed to ensuring equal access to justice, applying the law without fear or favor, and treating all who come before Michigan state's highest court with dignity and respect.
Justice Bolden has received several awards including the Detroit NAACP's Ida B. Wells Freedom and Justice Award, Michigan Chronicle's 2023 Woman of the Year Award, and Crain's Detroit 40 under 40 Award.
Margo Walters
Holland Township Trustee
In her current position as the Assistant Director of Hope College's Center for Diversity and Inclusion, Margo focuses her efforts on encouraging student engagement, retention of a diverse student body, ensuring students feel a sense of belonging, and supporting their academic success. Her work in creating and cultivating cultural celebrations has helped to build a broad base for cultural competencies for students and faculty. Margo is committed to diverse representation, accessibility, good governance, and transparency. Running for Holland Township Trustee, Margo is bringing her wealth of knowledge and experience to the local government and greater Holland community.
David Barnosky
Port Sheldon Township Trustee
I grew up in Spring Lake, graduated from SLHS, served 8 years in the Navy operating nuclear reactors aboard two ships (CGN 25) & (CGN 9), graduated from MSU (B of A - Law & Democracy - James Madison College) & WMU (Masters - Public Administration.) I have lived in Port Sheldon Township since 1993, though I traveled for work much of that time land surveying for the pipeline industry. I recently retired. I founded a FB group opposing the Ottawa Impact Co. Commissioners named "Ottawa Objects."
Jame Turner
Port Sheldon Township Trustee
I grew up in the UK and studied Economics at the University of Exeter (Devon). After graduating I went into a professional career in Supply Chain Management. I have lived in many areas of the world and the USA, including Wales, England, Australia, Illinois, Tennessee, and California. In 2020 my wife and I decided to move from California closer to her family roots in West Michigan.
I will be focused on promoting sustainable development, enhancing community engagement, supporting local businesses and agriculture, and preserving green spaces. I believe the most critical issue in our township is the redevelopment of the Campbell power plant site. This should be done by engaging residents in the planning process and transforming the site into a mixed-use development that includes green spaces, affordable housing, and community amenities. We can revitalize the area while honoring its history.
I have learned through my career that real innovation comes at the intersection of diverse ideas. I believe the township would benefit from a more inclusive process, where community input and a transparent decision-making process are prioritized. I am inspired by the opportunity to serve our growing and vibrant community by bringing my experience and pragmatic results-driven approach to the conversation.
Jane longstreet
Robinson Township Trustee
I have decided to run for trustee because I love where I live and want to be involved at the governing and policy-making level in order to provide excellent services and support to our citizens and businesses. Robinson Township is beautiful, quiet and largely rural. An on-going challenge will be to balance growth — both in population and economic expansion — with preserving the character and history of the township. I will focus on serving citizens with a high level of responsiveness and transparency. As the township grows, there will be challenges in maintaining/improving services in an effective and efficient manner. I will advocate for a systematic, transparent, measurable, and fair process to assess and implement change
I worked for 15 years in corporate communications and then went to graduate school to obtain my MSW. I worked for 16 years as a clinical social worker at Community Mental Health of Ottawa County, retiring as Program Supervisor, services for adults with mental illness and substance use disorders.
Currently I am serving as the deputy clerk for Robinson Township, overseeing elections and assisting the Clerk as needed. I also am the vice president of the Ottawa County Parks & Rec Commission and a member of the Ottawa County Parks Foundation Board of Directors.
Kimberly Ann Thomas
Michigan Supreme Court.
Kimberly Ann Thomas is an experienced trial and appellate lawyer and a law professor at the University of Michigan Law School. Kimberly directs the Juvenile Justice Clinic, where she teaches students the ethical practice of law and works to improve the lives of Michigan youth. Thomas served on the bipartisan Michigan Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform, which took a data-driven approach to understanding and making recommendations for improvement of our state's juvenile system. She was honored with a U.S. Fulbright Scholar award. As a Fulbright recipient, she taught at the University College Cork School of Law in Cork, Ireland. She has been recognized for her service by the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan.
ADDITIONAL CANDIDATES
Danene Shumaker
Michigan State House, 43rd District
Danene has lived in West Michigan nearly all her life. She’s run businesses profitably since she was in her 20’s, while raising a smart, loving daughter. She volunteers her time and resources for change, previously focusing on helping young leaders learn to serve. More recently she’s focusing on helping keep folks housed in Allegan county. She’s a proud gun owner who enjoys target practice, and believes in hunting, responsible gun ownership and common-sense laws. She is a former election official, and a published author with a Master of Education. She loves Jesus, cusses more than a little, believes in religious freedom, and most importantly, the separation of church and state!
David Kleinjans
Park Township Trustee
I'm running for Trustee of Park Township, Ottawa County, Michigan in the 2024 election. I've chaired the Planning Commission for the last several years, and been on it long enough that I'm term limited. I'd like to keep serving the community as a Trustee.
Cathy Seaver
Allendale Township Trustee
Cathy Seaver's campaign for Township Trustee is founded on principles of transparency, community engagement, and preserving Allendale's rural feel. She advocates for open and accessible local governance, ensuring that residents have a voice in decisions that impact their lives. Cathy is dedicated to preserving older homes and neighborhoods, recognizing them as integral parts of Allendale's identity and history.
In addition to her advocacy for preserving Allendale's character, Cathy prioritizes sustainable growth that balances development with environmental conservation. She supports initiatives that promote economic vitality while maintaining the township's natural beauty and quality of life for all residents.
Cathy Seaver is committed to fostering inclusivity in Allendale, embracing the diversity brought by Grand Valley State University and ensuring that all residents feel welcome and valued.
Elizabeth Marshall
Spring Lake Township Trustee
Elizabeth Marshall is a candidate experienced in promoting important community issues. She served for 10 years on the board of Healthy Kent, for 8 years on the Zoning Board of Appeals for the City of Walker, and for 4 years on Governor Granholm's Committee to Take Michigan Smoke Free.
Beth aims to serve as a true advocate with no hidden agenda, giving voice to those whose perspectives are often overlooked, while safeguarding the natural beauty of Spring Lake Township. Through true democracy, she aims to challenge the status quo and foster innovative ideas that benefit our community and environment.
Are you interested in running for office? Do you know someone who would be an ideal candidate? Contact us at runforoffice@ottawadems.com and let us know!
The Ottawa County Democratic Party is actively recruiting candidates for the upcoming election cycle. Give Ottawa progressives a choice on future ballots and #DaretoRun!