2024 Candidate Endorsements

  • Jessica Swartz

    Running for:
    Representative to Congress for MI-04

    “I want to help people and I love this country. The voters in my district are unhappy with divisive, partisan gridlock. I am, too. Our current Representative, Bill Huizenga, is an extremist Republican whose anti-choice views are out of step with his district. I believe in practical policy solutions over partisan politics, and I want to bring that type of representation to West Michigan.”

    My undergraduate education is in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy, and I received a law degree from the American University Washington College of Law. I am currently an attorney in Kalamazoo, specializing in education law. This is my first time running for office, but I have a long history of public service. Prior to education law, I spent years working as an attorney for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs where I helped make sure veterans got the benefits to which they were entitled by cracking down on fraud, waste, and abuse. I was also very involved with Voters Not Politicians beginning in 2018 as a Team Lead. This work eventually led voters to pass a Constitutional amendment that ended partisan gerrymandering in Michigan in the 2018 election and another Constitutional amendment in 2022 to greatly expand voting rights. I was a Girl Scout leader for six years and have internship experience in the Michigan legislature, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the U.S. Senate.

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  • Libbi Urban

    Running for:
    US House of Representatives

    ”CD5 need someone that will represent all the residents in the district not just special interest groups and big donors. I will work to restore freedoms that the GOP have taken away from us and to keep them from taking away more.”

    I am a retired maintenance electrician and 30+ year member of the United Steelworkers Local 9231. I was a member of the USW negotiating committee for 13 years and helped negotiate 4 contracts that resulted in significant gains in pay, pension, healthcare, safety and more for our members. If I can represent 450 union members at work, I can represent the residents in my district.

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  • Jim Haadsma

    Running for:
    State House District 44 - This seat represents the cities of Battle Creek, Albion, and Springfield, as well as the connecting townships of Bedford, Pennfield, Convis, Lee, Clarence, and Sheridan.

    “Winning this race and sending a Democratic majority back to Lansing is the best way to accomplish the public policy changes Michiganders want to see: tax cuts for the middle class, accessible and affordable healthcare, and effective investments in our schools and infrastructure. We don’t need more talk in Lansing. We need people who know what it means to work hard, to be there for each other, and to get things done.”

    I have spent my career advocating for workers injured on the job and people with disabilities, both as an attorney and a legislator. I first held public office as a Calhoun County Commissioner back in 2009 and served on the board until 2016. I was first elected to the State House in 2018 and am currently serving my third term representing Calhoun County in Lansing.

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  • Doug Murch

    Running for:
    House of Representatives District 45, all of southern Calhoun County and parts of both Jackson and Kalamazoo Counties

    “I believe that the voters of the 45th District are looking for leadership to solve serious problems that affect their daily lives. We must have leaders who are honest, straightforward, and willing to take difficult positions. Politicians who will stand up for what they believe even if it is not politically expedient. It is time for our political leaders to set an example that we can disagree without being disagreeable. Everywhere I have served I have been asked to be in leadership because I was known to get things done. I am running because the 45th District needs someone who can get things done.”

    Retired Jackson County Youth Center, Small Business owner. Served Marshall District Library Board, Marshall Zoning Board of Appeals, and Jackson County Employee Retirement Board. Board of Directors Marshall Kinderhaus Montessori School.

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  • Christine Kosmowski

    Running for:
    Calhoun County Water Resources Commissioner

    “I am running for Water Resources Commissioner to effectively and responsibly administer the statues that the office must uphold for the benefit of Calhoun County residents and water quality.”

    I have both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in environmental studies focusing on water quality. I have worked in the water environment field my entire professional career, including in surface water and groundwater protection, as Water Resource Commissioner for Calhoun County, as an Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Deputy in the Intercounty Drain Program. Currently, I am the PFAS and Emerging Contaminate Specialist for MDARD. I’ve learned about the importance of the Drain Code, and other statues, to not only Calhoun County, but to the State of Michigan.

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  • Rochelle Hatcher

    Running for:
    Calhoun county commissioner district 1

    “I want to build bridges and connect neighborhoods and communities throughout Calhoun County Michigan. Working and listening together will make a better County for us all.”

    20 years experience as a community leader. Graduate of the Community Leadership Academy. Six years experience as a Calhoun County Commission Board Member.

  • Monique French

    Running for:
    Calhoun County Commissioner District 2

    “I care about the people and our community.”

    This would be my second term.

  • Tony Iovieno

    Running for:
    Calhoun County Commissioner District 3

    ”I am running because we need leaders who will focus on what unites us- caring for our families. The needs of the modern American family, such as affordable childcare, housing, and paid family leave, are universal. If elected, I’ll put families first and dedicate my efforts to these crucial issues. After redistricting in 2022, Democrats lost this race by only 251 votes. We are close to making a real difference, and with your support, we can close that gap!”

    I have a strong background in community service and leadership. I ran for public office in 2022 and serve on the Executive Board of the Calhoun County Democrats. Since moving to Battle Creek in 2012, I have worked in baseball, where our team won several awards, and in nonprofit fundraising at United Way, raising millions for the community. I currently serve on the Executive Board of the Burma Center and Kambly Living Center, and work for Family Values at Work, advocating for family-friendly policies. My educational background is in government and international relations.I have a strong background in community service and leadership. I ran for public office in 2022 and serve on the Executive Board of the Calhoun County Democrats. Since moving to Battle Creek in 2012, I have worked in baseball, where our team won several awards, and in nonprofit fundraising at United Way, raising millions for the community. I currently serve on the Executive Board of the Burma Center and Kambly Living Center, and work for Family Values at Work, advocating for family-friendly policies. My educational background is in government and international relations.

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  • Trevor Bidelman

    Running for:
    Calhoun county commissioner District 4 covering Pennfield, Bedford, and Convis township

    “It's time to begin a movement in which elected officials lead from the direction of their constituents. For too long, once individuals become elected, they forget about the very voters that put them there in the first place. As commissioner I will have my opinion on the many decisions I will be faced with. However my position on those decisions will be dictated by the members of my district. As a proud father of 4 children I want to ensure that they have opportunities to thrive in their community. I want to be sure they don't have to move away to find that opportunity. Calhoun County has lots to offer and with the right partnerships and ideas,I know we can be the perfect place to raise families now and for the distant future.”

    I have spent nearly 20 years on the executive board of BCTGM Local 3G. Roughly 12 of those years I have been the President/Business Agent negotiating better standards of living for my members. I was a member of the Workforce Development Board for nearly 10 years, as the representative for organized labor. I helped negotiate the merger of what is now a five County workforce development board. I was the president of the Pennfield Panter Juinor Football Association for 5 years as well as I am currently the President of the Central Junior Football Conference. I am also currently the president of the Tri County Labor Agency and have been a member of the united way board in the past.

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  • Christian Brown

    Running for:
    Calhoun County Commissioner District 6 (Athens, Burlington, Clarendon, Tekonsha, Marshall, Fredonia townships)

    “I am putting down roots in this area with a young family and I want to help guide this wonderful community forward in a positive way.”

    I have a master's in public administration with a Certificate in Local Government Management. I have been an engineer for almost 15 years and have managed projects, budget and people. I interned with the national non-profit the Borgen Project and discussed their agenda with local politicians and groups.

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  • Scott Avery

    Running for:
    Calhoun County Board of Commissioners - District 7 (Homer / Albion Area)

    “I am running for the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners because I believe there needs to be new voices and ideas brought to the Board of Commissioners. the Board, in its current state, is weighted toward a more conservative world view point. To be truly representative of Calhoun County the Board should have a more diverse ideological makeup.”

    While I do not have a background in county government, I do have experiences with many nonprofits in Calhoun and Kalamazoo counties. I have been a volunteer for Battle Creek Area Habitat for Humanity for several years, serving on the construction and ReStore teams. I am currently the Board Chair for the organization as well. In the past several years I have been a volunteer for several organizations in Kalamazoo that serve the unhoused population. From making and serving meals to repairing and distributing bikes to allow those who are experiencing homelessness so that they are able to have reliable transportation for needed services or travel to their place employment. I have facilitated multiple small grants and service projects for many nonprofits in both Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. I have taken action to meet Millard Fuller's, cofounder of Habitat for Humanity, idea that "For a community to be whole and healthy it must be based on our love and concern for our neighbors." The fundamental design of government is to help communities and neighbors when they need the hand up so that one day they will become the helping hand to the future generations.

  • Charles Adams

    Running for:
    Pennfield Charter Township

    "I have been a Pennfield Charter Township resident for 39 years and served on the Zoning Board for 15 years. I am running for Pennfield Charter Township Supervisor to improve communication from public officials in the township."

  • Andre Hoaglin-Jackson

    Running for:
    Battle Creek City Commissioner Ward 3

    "I believe in Battle Creek and would like to improve my adopted home. My top 3 campaign issues are: fixing the sidewalks, increased healthier food options, and working to open a new low-barrier shelter."

  • Rande Johnson

    Running for:
    Bedford Charter Township Supervisor

    "I want to bring normalcy back to the township and create the atmosphere of friends and neighbors. I seek to make sure our volunteer firefighters have the latest technology and resources to keep our community safe."

  • Boonika Herring

    Running for:
    Battle Creek City Commission-At Large

    "Battle Creek needs to hear from the people. We have to find better ways to engage our citizens and make decisions based on the needs of our constituents."

  • Carla Reynolds

    Running for:
    Battle Creek City Commission-At Large

    "I want our city to thrive; we should be able to live, work, and play in a safe and equal community. I want to continue my efforts for affordable housing, child care, entrepreneurship, and education. I also want to see more veterans, seniors, and the homeless get support! I want to continue to be a voice for others and help direct the citizens to the multiple resources, answers, concerns."

  • Brad Francis

    Running for:
    Springfield City Council

    "I am a father of two queer children and professional digital marketer. I want to get involved, promote progressive values, and stand up for all Springfield residents."