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]
David LaGrand | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Mayor-elect of Grand Rapids | |
| Assuming office January 1, 2025 | |
| Succeeding | Rosalynn Bliss |
| Member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the 75th district | |
| In office March 15, 2016 – January 1, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Brandon Dillon |
| Succeeded by | Penelope Tsernoglou |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 13, 1966 Grand Rapids, Michigan, US |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Melissa LaGrand |
| Education | Calvin University (BA) University of Chicago School of Law (JD) |
| Website | https://davidlagrand.com |
Early life and education
editLaGrand is a graduate of the local Calvin College (now Calvin University) (1988) and the University of Chicago Law School (1992).[3]
Career
editAfter 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.[3]
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.
References
edit- ^ "David LaGrand wins Michigan House seat in special election". MLive.com. 2016-03-08. Retrieved 2019-02-19.
- ^ "News from Rep. LaGrand". housedems.com. Retrieved 2019-02-19.
- ^ a b c "Election | David LaGrand for State Senate | Grand Rapids". David LaGrand. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
- ^ Center, Patrick. "Former Grand Rapids City Commissioner enters the mayoral race". WGVU News. WGVU News. Retrieved 2 February 2024.