David LaGrand explained

David LaGrand
Office:Mayor-elect of Grand Rapids
Term Start:January 1, 2025
Succeeding:Rosalynn Bliss
State House1:Michigan
District1:75th
Term Start1:March 15, 2016
Term End1:January 1, 2023
Predecessor1:Brandon Dillon
Successor1:Penelope Tsernoglou
Birth Date:13 August 1966
Birth Place:Grand Rapids, Michigan, US
Party:Democratic
Spouse:Melissa LaGrand
Website:https://davidlagrand.com

David LaGrand (born August 13, 1966) is an American politician who served in the Michigan House of Representatives from the 75th district, from 2016 to 2023.[1] [2] In 2022, he ran for election to the Michigan Senate in the 30th district, narrowly losing to incumbent Mark Huizenga. He resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife, Melissa LaGrand, and four children: John, Issac, Helen, and Julia.[3] As of 2023, he is running for the position of Mayor of Grand Rapids against City Commissioner Senita Lenear.[4]

Early life and education

LaGrand is a graduate of the local Calvin College (now Calvin University) (1988) and the University of Chicago Law School (1992).

Career

After graduating, David returned to Grand Rapids in 1994 and worked at local law firm Warner Norcross & Judd while founding a local coffee shop. He then served 8 years as an Assistant County Prosecutor in Kent County, Michigan, before forming private law firms Lykins & LaGrand PLC, and later Yates, LaGrand and Denenfeld PLLC. During this time, he founded another restaurant, Wealthy Street Bakery. He was then elected to the Grand Rapids City Commission, where he and partners started Long Road Distillers. In 2015, he ran and won election to the Michigan House of Representatives, where he served until 2022.

After his loss to Mark Huizenga in the 2022 State Senate Election, LaGrand announced his candidacy for mayor of Grand Rapids. He has been endorsed by the current mayor, and is running against Senita Lenear.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: David LaGrand wins Michigan House seat in special election . MLive.com . 2016-03-08 . 2019-02-19.
  2. Web site: News from Rep. LaGrand . housedems.com . 2019-02-19.
  3. Web site: Election David LaGrand for State Senate Grand Rapids . 2022-11-01 . David LaGrand . en.
  4. News: Center . Patrick . Former Grand Rapids City Commissioner enters the mayoral race . 2 February 2024 . WGVU News . WGVU News.