Note: For the Michigan Aug. 4 primary, WKTV’s We The People program invited participation from all candidates for any seat where there is a contested primary in either party. For the general election, all candidates will be invited to record a We The People.
State of Michigan 72nd District House of Representatives
The 72nd District House of Representative seat covers the cities of Kentwood and Wayland, along with a portion of Cutlerville and the community of Dorr. For a district map, click here and then search for district 072.
There are three candidates, one a two-term incumbent Republican and two in the Democratic primary, seeking the 72nd District House of Representatives. They are Republican incumbent Steve Johnson of Wayland, and Democratic primary candidates Lily Cheng-Schulting of Kentwood and Cade Wilson of Kentwood.
Steven Johnson – Incumbent State Representative 72nd District
Party: Republican
Occupation: State Representative, 72nd District
Note: Did not submit answers to WKTV questions.
Lily Cheng-Schulting – Primary candidate State Representative 72nd District
Party: Democratic
Occupation: Community Organizer; Disability Advocate
Why did you decide to run for the 72nd District House of Representatives seat?
As a proven human rights and community advocate, I am running to move mountains for a more diverse, inclusive, fair, just, and better Michigan for everyone! Since I have created huge positive educational changes in Kent County, I will dedicate my same skills, experience, and energy to ensure quality mental health and disability services, single-payer healthcare, economic equity, education, racial and criminal justice, environment, and resources for small businesses and farms. I will always appreciate the opportunity to listen to everyone’s concerns, and I will remain committed to ensuring the best quality of life and future for everyone, including people who are vulnerable or marginalized. Moreover, as a mother of a child with autism and as a woman of color and an immigrant, I will also advocate fiercely to protect people against discrimination and to ensure justice, fairness, and equal human rights for everyone. I believe that the fierceness of my advocacy is proven, not through the arguments, but through positive systematic changes.
If elected, what issues do you want to focus on?
Healthcare, equity, education.
Cade Wilson – Primary candidate State Representative 72nd District
Party: Democratic
Occupation: Educator
Why did you decide to run for the 72nd District House of Representatives seat?
As an educator right here in our district, I have had the chance to work with hundreds of students and families and hear about the things that matter most to them. Last spring I went to Lansing to advocate for after-school educational programming in our district. When I met with our representative’s office, and I heard how the families I knew so well were talked about, I knew that I had to run. I immediately recognized that our representation did not reflect the families and values of our community. Our community is hardworking, loving, supportive, smart, kind, and diverse. I am in this race so that I can help amplify the voices of our community in ways that truly reflect our values.
If elected, what issues do you want to focus on?
Education — Equitable funding that supports students, teachers, and families. Health — We need accessible and affordable healthcare services (mental health services included), affordable medications, and clean drinking water. Opportunity — Invest in trade skills trainings for those that want to both enter and transition in the workforce. This also means we need to protect our workers in fair, just, and equitable systems that do not discriminate based on gender, age, or sexual orientation.
State of Michigan 77th District House of Representatives
The 77th District House of Representatives seat covers the City of Wyoming, Byron Township and a portion of Cutlerville. For a district map, click here and them search for district 077.
There are two candidates, one a two-term incumbent and one a Democratic challenger, seeking the 77th District House of Representatives. They are incumbent Republican Tommy Brann of Wyoming, and Democratic candidate Bob Smith of Byron Center.
Note: Neither party’s candidate has a challenge in the primary; both have been invited to record a We The People after the August primary.
