HILLARY SCHOLTEN

“Si, Se Puede!” or “Yes, we can!” yelled an excited Lupe Ramos-Montigny, chairperson of The Committee to Honor César E. Chávez, to the cheering crowd with Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington and others applauding behind her. Related: César E. Chávez social justice gathering commemorates 96th birthday of late civil rights leader“Everybody should know about Chávez,” Ramos-Montigny, former Michigan Board of Education member, told those at the chapel. Participants carry flags down Cesar E. Chavez Ave. during the Cesar E. Chavez Social Justice March on Thursday, March 16, 2023. The Mexican American farm worker, born in Yuma, Arizona, co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (later the United Farm Workers of America) with Dolores Huerta. This Grand Rapids school hopes to stop that

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Seated at a computer monitor at Exalta Health, U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten, D-Grand Rapids, got a demonstration Monday of a telehealth program helping patients at the clinic access heart care from University of Michigan Health-West. Monday’s visit was designed to highlight the work of Exalta Health, 2060 S. Division Ave., and its partnership with UM-Health. UM-Health began providing telehealth cardiovascular care to the faith-based nonprofit clinic in 2020. “One of our people, the people that come get service here, may have never seen a cardiologist without their willingness to do telehealth,” said Edward Postma, president of Exalta Health. She also spoke with officials at UM-Health about the importance of telehealth, and opportunities to expand the scope of services offered through the service.

After a New York Times investigation exposed migrant child labor in Grand Rapids, Michigan immigrant rights advocates are pushing for change on the state and federal level. Anna Hill Galendez, supervising attorney for the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center’s worker rights team, says the investigation unearths failures in immigration and employment. The Times story also mentions migrant workers dying on the job or being seriously injured in other industries. Related: Who is the Grand Rapids company in spotlight for migrant children working in dangerous conditions? “We really think that protecting the labor rights of all immigrant workers is the best way to create safer, healthier workplaces,” Hill Galendez said.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten says state and federal regulators must hold accountable Hearthside Food Solutions and other companies accused in a New York Times report of hiring migrant children as young as 13 for jobs that violate federal child labor law. “They’ve really gotta feel the pain,” said Scholten, a former immigration attorney and first-term Democrat from Grand Rapids whose district is home to four plants operated by Hearthside. “Exploiting children cannot just be a cost of doing business for these companies.”

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Saying “the real work begins now,” U.S. Rep Hillary Scholten hosted an in-district swearing-in ceremony Wednesday at the Gerald R. Ford Federal Building in Grand Rapids. Prior to taking the oath, the first-term Democrat from Grand Rapids spoke to a packed room of supporters, reflecting on becoming the first woman to represent her hometown in Congress. The district encompasses portions of Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties, and includes the cities of Grand Rapids, Muskegon and Grand Haven. During the ceremony, Scholten was administered the oath of office by U.S. District Judge Jane Beckering. She said Wednesday “stands out in the record books” because Scholten is just the second Democrat elected from Grand Rapids since 1974.

“I maintain optimism about the future of this congress,” Scholten, the first woman elected to represent Grand Rapids in Congress, said in an interview Wednesday. But those plans were delayed after Republican leader Kevin McCarthy failed to secure enough votes from his party to be elected speaker. She’s representing the newly drawn 3rd Congressional District, which encompasses portions of Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties and includes the cities of Grand Rapids, Grand Haven and Muskegon. Looking forward, Scholten says she hopes to be appointed to the transportation and infrastructure committee as well as the small business committee. “We’ve got our home in southeast Grand Rapids.

While Democrats have had success in Kent County, Sellek said he considers the county to be more “purplish” rather than solidly blue. In Kent County, Gibbs performed strongest in rural and outlying areas of the county and some suburban communities. In Muskegon County, Scholten won 57% to 39%. She won in the city of Muskegon, Muskegon Township, Muskegon Heights, North Muskegon, Roosevelt Park and Norton Shores. The southern portion of Muskegon County, as far north as North Muskegon, is included in the 3rd District.

Some of those projected to win their races and become first-time House members are striking a conciliatory tone and pledging to work across party lines.

A Democrat had not been elected to represent West Michigan in Congress since 1974, when Richard Vander Veen won a special election, succeeding former President Gerald Ford, who had step down to become vice president under Richard Nixon. Byron Center Public Schools’ Brown and Marshall elementary schools were among 297 schools across the country named National Blue Ribbon Schools. The spot is just west of Macy’s department store at Rivertown Crossings. The spot is just west of Macy’s department store at Rivertown Crossings. ‘Get rid of them trash books,’ voter says after West Michigan library millage fails again over LGBTQ materialsMeijer has announced its deals for Black Friday.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Calling it a “new day in West Michigan,” Democrat Hillary Scholten on Wednesday celebrated her resounding victory over Republican John Gibbs in West Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District, saying it represents a “declarative statement” about the region’s priorities and values. “Folks, it was not close,” Scholten said, speaking to a packed room of supporters at her campaign headquarters on Grand Rapids’ Northeast Side. “We’re holding a 13-point lead.”Scholten, an immigration attorney from Grand Rapids, is the first Democrat elected to represent Grand Rapids in Congress since 1974, and the first woman to hold the seat. In the general election, Gibbs spoke on the campaign trail about high gas prices, inflation, and crime, and said the Biden administration’s policies are hurting everyday Americans. “I’ll be a representative for all people here in West Michigan even if I didn’t earn your vote on the campaign trail,” she said.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Hillary Scholten will become the first Democrat to represent Grand Rapids in Congress since 1977 after defeating Trump-backed Republican John Gibbs in a race that’s drawn national attention. The AP called the race for Scholten just before 2 a.m. Wednesday morning, with 63% of votes counted. The district includes portions of Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties as well as the cities of Grand Rapids, Muskegon and Grand Haven. After the polls closed Tuesday, Scholten spoke to supporters at Paddock Place, a restaurant and event venue in Grand Rapids. “This campaign has, and continues to build, something new here in West Michigan,” Scholten said.

Democrat Hillary Scholten will win Michigan's third congressional district, The Associated Press projects, seizing a seat from Republicans as she defeats Republican John Gibbs.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Democrat Hillary Scholten has an early lead against Republican John Gibbs in a closely watched race for West Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District seat. With 33% of votes counted, Scholten, an immigration attorney from Grand Rapids, was leading Gibbs 55% to 42%, according to unofficial election results from the Associated Press. “This campaign has, and continues to build, something new here in West Michigan,” Scholten told supporters as polls closed Tuesday. The district includes portions of Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties as well as the cities of Grand Rapids, Muskegon and Grand Haven. Read more:Grand Rapids City Commission races remain too close to call Tuesday eveningMichigan 2022 election results: Governor, AG, SOS and ballot proposalsU.S. Rep. Haley Stevens secures third term in CongressAs election results roll in, here’s where Michigan’s midterms stand

The new 3rd Congressional District includes Grand Rapids and the surrounding cities and suburbs in Kent County, including Kentwood, Wyoming, Plainfield Township, Rockford, Grand Rapids Township, Ada, Grandville and Byron Center. The district represents Ada, Cascade, Grand Rapids, Plainfield and Allendale townships as well as Rockford, Walker, Coopersville, Grand Rapids’ West Side and Grand Rapids north of Fulton Street. A former Grand Rapids city commissioner and Grand Rapids school board member, LaGrand has served as a state representative since 2015. The new 29th District includes all of Kentwood, Wyoming, Grandville and East Grand Rapids, and a sliver of Grand Rapids Township as well as Grand Rapids east of the Grand River and south of Fulton Street. The new district includes Grand Rapids and Ada townships as well as Plainfield Township south of the Grand River and most of Grand Rapids north of Fulton Street and east of the Grand River.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — With the election days away, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg hit the campaign trail in Grand Rapids Friday, touting Democrat Hillary Scholten as a candidate with community roots who will bring a “commonsense problem-solving style” to Congress. The newly drawn district encompasses portions of Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties, and includes the cities of Grand Rapids, Muskegon and Grand Haven. The last time a Democrat was elected to represent the city of Grand Rapids in Congress was 1974 in the wake of the Watergate scandal. Gibbs has said on the campaign trail that he wants to “reform” Social Security, but he has not advocated for eliminating it. That is why Democrats across the country are spreading the lie that Republicans want to cut Social Security and this is no different.

Here’s where you can find Michigan general election results for Michigan U.S. House District 3 (Gibbs vs. Scholten) on Nov. 8, 2022.

DCCC chairman Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney declared Sunday that Democrats are "going to win" Michigan's 3rd Congressional District after meddling in the Republican primary.

Even as Republican confidence about winning back control of the House grows in the final stage of the midterms, races such as the one in Michigan’s 3rd congressional district, could complicate their task.

“I’m not voting for anybody that believes in lies,” said Karen Henry Stokes, the widow of former Grand Rapids Republican congressman Paul Henry. The two are competing in the newly drawn 3rd Congressional District, which includes the cities of Grand Rapids, Muskegon and Grand Haven. “She will be a great representative for us in Congress, and what’s important is she is born and bred West Michigan, fourth generation here.”Gov. Byl, the former Republican state representative from Grand Rapids who is supporting Scholten, said he knows many GOP voters disagree with Democratic policies. Scholten’s family is from West Michigan, and she was born and raised in the community.

However, the Gibbs campaign says donations from some prominent West Michigan Republicans are either now coming in or soon arriving. “After winning the primary, John Gibbs has worked tirelessly to unite the Republican party behind his grassroots campaign,” said Gibbs campaign spokesperson AnneMarie Schieber. The newly drawn district encompasses the cities of Grand Rapids, Muskegon and Grand Haven. The Gibbs campaign said the candidate has met with Dick and Besty DeVos, as well as the family’s policy group. Related: West Michigan congressional candidates talk health care, jobs, energy and environmentGibbs is a strong Trump supporter who based his candidacy in the primary election on his endorsement by the former president.

Of the first three districts, RealClearPolitics considers all to be toss-up races, while FiveThirtyEight’s predictive model has them all tilting toward wins for Democrats. She has again found herself embroiled in one of the most expensive U.S. House races in the country in a hotly contested race against Republican state Sen. Tom Barrett, R-Charlotte. Slotkin has spent aggressively since the primary, about $4.5 million, while taking in just about $1.9 million since mid-July. While the fundraising is lopsided and Barrett is being outspent on advertising overall, outside groups have spent slightly more bolstering Barrett’s challenge with attack ads. Related: John James and Carl Marlinga vie for Michigan’s open 10th district congressional seatThere James has raised $5.8 million to Marlinga’s $735,000.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Democrat Hillary Scholten entered October with a significant cash advantage over Republican John Gibbs in Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District race, new campaign finance reports show. “We are building something new here, a campaign about and for the people of West Michigan,” Scholten said in a statement. “I am honored and humbled by the support I’ve received from West Michigan and across the country for our grassroots campaign,” Gibbs said in a statement. Meijer, who was an incumbent and supported by business groups and other notable West Michigan Republicans, significantly outspent Gibbs in the primary. Attorney Richard Vander Veen was elected that year, in what was then the 5th Congressional District.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — The Grand Rapids Chamber’s PAC is not endorsing a candidate in the closely watched congressional race between Republican John Gibbs and Democrat Hillary Scholten. Joshua Lunger, vice president of government affairs at the Grand Rapids Chamber, declined to discuss the decision to not endorse Gibbs or Scholten. The newly-drawn district encompasses portions of Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties, and includes the cities of Grand Rapids, Muskegon and Grand Haven. “For the first time in history, the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce has not endorsed the Republican in the race for the Grand Rapids Congressional seat. “Hillary has broad and deep support from Grand Rapids leaders--from the Mayor to leaders in business, healthcare, and public and private sectors alike.

A congressional district in Michigan that includes Grand Rapids hasn't had a Democratic House member in decades.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Four candidates are squaring off in the Nov. 8 election to represent West Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District in Congress. I support policies that will ban insurance companies from raising rates on people when they get sick, denying people coverage for having a pre-existing condition, or dropping their coverage when they get sick. If another vicious virus comes along, we’re in the dark.The way the health care system is set up is for profit, not people. What federal policies do you support for a healthy economy and to help Americans without financial security improve their economic positions? What federal policies do you support regarding elections, campaign funding and voting rights?

Candidates are betting on abortion outrage and MAGA enthusiasm. Why did one Republican field organizer tell canvassers to think twice about mentioning the former President?

HOLLAND, MI — If you’re already looking forward to next year’s spring season, the city of Holland is asking for your help to get ready for its 2023 Tulip Time Festival. To prep for the event, the city plants thousands of tulip bulbs each year. In an effort to speed up the process, the Holland Parks Department wants West Michigan residents to help plant 75,000 of those bulbs during its community planting days. The tulip bulbs, instructions and planting tools will be provided. To sign up for a tulip planting shift, visit tuliptime.volunteerhub.com.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — In September 2020, Democrat Hillary Scholten was attacked during her first congressional campaign, by her then-opponent U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer, for being backed by riot sympathizers and “extremists” who favor defunding the police. “It’s blatant lies,” Scholten, an immigration attorney from Grand Rapids, said in response to the ad. One of those groups, the Progressive Women’s Alliance, advocated for cutting funding to the Grand Rapids Police Department by $9 million. You often see Republicans attack Democrats on it.”Grand Rapids riotsScholten’s record shows she did not, as her opponents claim, praise the rioters in Grand Rapids. I live on the Southeast Side of Grand Rapids.

Democrats facing tough elections for seats in the House have seemingly abandoned their support for criminal justice provision they once championed.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Republican John Gibbs has launched his first campaign commercial in the 3rd Congressional District race against Democrat Hillary Scholten to represent a portion of Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties in Congress. The 30-second advertisement, titled American Dream, features the former Trump administration employee and political commentator alongside his mother, Mary. The Gibbs campaign released the advertisement on Tuesday, Sept. 20, and said it will be the first of several spots shown through the Nov. 8 election. Gibbs spokesperson Anne AnneMarie Schieber declined to say how much airtime the campaign has purchased. “Campaigns are fluid operations and our ad strategy is evolving.”The Gibbs campaign did not release any television advertisements during the primary election.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — What was originally planned as a debate Tuesday night on WOOD-TV between Democrat Hillary Scholten and Republican John Gibbs will instead feature a half-hour, live interview with Scholten now that Gibbs has dropped out of the event. Scholten, an attorney from Grand Rapids who is making her second run for West Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District, will appear at 7 p.m. on a live segment of WOOD-TV’s “To The Point” program with political reporter Rick Albin. “Neither campaign approached us with an alternative, but the Scholten campaign accepted the alternative of a one-on-one interview with Rick Albin on ‘To the Point,’” he said. It also includes the northern half of Ottawa County, including Allendale and Grand Haven. Southern Muskegon County, including the city of Muskegon, Norton Shores and Fruitport Township, is included in the district as well.

One question: Which candidate can pick up the voters who supported U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer, who was defeated by Gibbs in Tuesday’s Republican primary for Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District? Meijer, who was defeated by Gibbs 51.9% to 48.1%, introduced his former rival. He congratulated Gibbs on his victory and said he wished him “the best of luck” in the November election. “This was a hard-fought race, decided by less than 4,000 votes out of more than 100,000 cast,” Meijer said. “I think the Meijer voters will, among other things, follow the lead of Congressman Meijer, and you heard him say tonight he is all in and he is willing to help John Gibbs win this race,” VerHeulen said.

Meijer, a freshman Republican, was one of 10 Republicans who voted to impeach Trump for inciting the Jan. 6 insurrection

Freshman Republican Rep. Peter Meijer voted to impeach Trump following the Jan. 6 insurrection on the U.S. Capitol.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer was locked in a tight race Tuesday night with John Gibbs, the former Trump administration employee who’s seeking to unseat the first-term Republican congressman. Meijer is seen as the more traditional, establishment Republican candidate while Gibbs has banked on support from grassroots activists and the Trump-wing of the party. It also includes the northern half of Ottawa County, including Allendale and Grand Haven. Southern Muskegon County, including the city of Muskegon, Norton Shores and Fruitport Township, is included in the district as well. Read more:Tudor Dixon wins Michigan’s Republican gubernatorial primary, AP projectsSlotkin, Barrett advance to November in tossup Michigan congressional raceUnopposed, U.S. Rep. Bergman and longshot Dem advance in northern Michigan

Meijer, R-Grand Rapids, raised $578,749 from April through the end of June, while Gibbs raised $216,255 — less than half as much. Gibbs also is at a disadvantage when it comes to money left to spend in the primary, having $124,575 left in the bank compared to Meijer’s $1.4 million. Meijer is also far outspending Gibbs as well, by nearly three times the amount, having dropped about $687,393 compared to his opponent’s $173,616. For her part, Scholten reported spending a little under $210,865 during the period. Trump, aggrieved by the vote, wants Meijer and his compatriots voted out of office and has endorsed Gibbs.

Stevens ended the latest filing period with $2.8 million cash on hand, campaign finance reports show. Stevens also reported raising more money than her primary challenger at the end of 2021. Slotkin leads big over BarrettIn the Lansing-based 7th District, U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, raised over $1.3 million the first quarter, with $5.5 million on hand. His campaign reported raising money from more than 12,000 individuals. The congresswoman’s campaign noted that 89% of the $1.3 million she raised came from donors who gave $100 or less.

Democrat Hillary Scholten says she will run for a newly drawn House seat in western Michigan, looking to seize the party’s best shot at representing Grand Rapids in Congress in decades.

Democrat Hillary Scholten says she will run for a newly drawn House seat in western Michigan, looking to seize the party’s best shot at representing Grand Rapids in Congress in decades.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Hillary Scholten, an attorney from Grand Rapids, says she’s jumping into the Democratic primary to replace Republican U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer in Congress. A lawyer by trade, Scholten worked as an immigration attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice during President Barack Obama’s administration. She said she now chairs the government affairs practice group at Miller Johnson Attorneys, a law firm with offices in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Detroit. Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District now includes Grand Rapids, a large portion of Kent County, part of Montcalm County, as well as Ionia, Barry and Calhoun counties. Scholten said at this time she is the only candidate competing in the August Democratic primary to represent the district.

She carried the city of Grand Rapids and East Grand Rapids, and she won a dozen other precincts in suburban Grand Rapids. The 3rd Congressional District race attracted significant attention in Michigan and beyond. In 2010, when Amash first ran for the 3rd Congressional District seat, he defeated Democrat Patrick Miles Jr. 59 percent to 38 percent. Meanwhile, in the 3rd Congressional District race, Scholten received 51 percent of the vote in Kent County, while Meijer received 49 percent. So, the vote totals for those cities are captured in the presidential race but not the 3rd Congressional District race.

The race was closely watched in Michigan, and it was among the last Congressional races in Michigan to be called following Tuesday’s election. Officials in Grand Rapids worked throughout the day Wednesday to count an estimated 59,000 ballots whose results were needed to declare a winner. The district encompasses Grand Rapids, a large portion of Kent County, part of Montcalm County, as well as Ionia, Barry and Calhoun counties. Looking forward, Meijer says he’s eager to begin working on the issues important to West Michigan residents. “We may differ in approaches, but we all want to see West Michigan thrive and succeed,” said Meijer, a political newcomer who has never held public office before.

The Associated Press projects that Republican candidate Peter Meijer has won the Michigan U.S. House race for District 3, defeating Democratic candidate Hillary Scholten in the 2020 General Election. In a victory called at 8:39 p.m. Wednesday evening, Meijer surpassed Scholten by more than 24,000 votes. You can find final results for the Michigan U.S. House District 3 race below. Michigan General Election Results for Nov. 3, 2020 Find Race Results🌟 Become an Insider 🌟Introducing WDIV Insider: A new way for loyal Local 4 fans to gain access and customize your ClickOnDetroit news experience. Learn more about WDIV Insider - and sign up here!

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Republican candidate Peter Meijer has won the race to replace U.S. Rep. Justin Amash in Congress. Meijer, a 32-year-old U.S. Army veteran, defeated Democrat Hillary Scholten 53 percent to 47 percent, according to the Associated Press. You helped lay the foundation for progress and change in West Michigan. Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District includes the city of Grand Rapids, a large portion of Kent County, part of Montcalm County, as well as Ionia, Barry and Calhoun counties. However, Meijer defeated Scholten in Ionia County, Barry County, Calhoun County and the small portion of Montcalm County that’s located within the district.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Republican congressional candidate Peter Meijer was leading Democrat Hillary Scholten early Wednesday morning in the race to replace U.S. Rep. Justin Amash in Congress. With 36 percent of precincts reporting, Meijer, a U.S. Army veteran whose family founded the Meijer supercenter chain, had 60 percent of the vote, according to the Associated Press. Scholten and Meijer are competing for Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District seat. The district encompasses Grand Rapids, a large portion of Kent County, part of Montcalm County, as well as Ionia, Barry and Calhoun counties. But this year’s race drew a lot of attention, with Democrats saying they’re poised to pull off an upset.

The 2020 General Election will be held on November 3. You can find results for Michigan U.S. House District 3 here. (Note: Due to an increase in mail-in voting, clerks are expecting delayed results, up to multiple days. Michigan General Election Results for Nov. 3, 2020 Find Race Results🌟 Become an Insider 🌟Introducing WDIV Insider: A new way for loyal Local 4 fans to gain access and customize your ClickOnDetroit news experience. Learn more about WDIV Insider - and sign up here!

Hank Meijer’s donation to Congressional Leadership Fund, which works to elect Republican U.S. House candidates, came under scrutiny Friday. Until last night, Montcalm LLC was the only name attached to the donation. The Congressional Leadership Fund has since updated its FEC filing to show that Hank Meijer made the donation. “We received and reported a contribution, and as soon as we got additional written information from the donor we amended our report as such,” Congressional Leadership Fund spokesperson Calvin Moore said in a statement. “The Congressional Leadership Fund always had the necessary information to fill out the report correctly, they just made a mistake in omitting some information,” Truscott said.

The Campaign Legal Center filed the complaint Friday with the Federal Election Commission, said Brendan Fischer, an attorney at the organization. The complaint targets Montcalm LLC, which was incorporated on Sept. 28 and, less than two weeks later, provided the Congressional Leadership Fund with $150,000. The Congressional Leadership fund is focused on helping Republicans win a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. Republican Peter Meijer, whose family founded the Meijer supercenter chain, is running against Scholten for Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District seat. “What appears to have happened here is this Montcalm LLC was set up and created for the purpose of disguising the identity of the true donor to Congressional Leadership Fund,” Fischer said.

The 2020 General Election will be held on November 3. You can find results for Michigan U.S. House District 3 here. Find more election results and news on the Decision 2020 page. 🌟 Become an Insider 🌟Introducing WDIV Insider: A new way for loyal Local 4 fans to gain access and customize your ClickOnDetroit news experience. Learn more about WDIV Insider - and sign up here!

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Emily Kelly knows Democrats face an uphill battle in Calhoun County. She will also have to perform well in Calhoun County and get votes in Republican strongholds like Barry and Ionia counties, experts say. Experts say he needs to do well in rural areas to counter Scholten’s appeal in places like Grand Rapids and East Grand Rapids. Democrats also point to polls showing Biden leading Trump in Michigan, and pundits say there’s dissatisfaction with the president in Kent County. Lynn Mason, the Ionia County Democratic Party chair, acknowledges the challenges Democrats face in her county.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Democratic congressional candidate Hillary Scholten’s campaign got pushback this week from Mel Trotter Ministries for advertisements highlighting her work at the organization’s shelter for women and children. “The work we do here quite frankly, transcends politics.”In at least one commercial and on her website, Scholten — who’s running for Michigan’s 3rd Congressional seat — said her faith led her to work at Mel Trotter. On Thursday afternoon, Mel Trotter spokesperson Beth Fisher said by email that the nonprofit had reached an “amicable agreement” with Scholten’s campaign. Mel Trotter, 225 Commerce Ave. SW, provides services for Grand Rapids' homeless population. The ad shows her driving past Mel Trotter’s building and includes a shot of the organization’s sign.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Democratic congressional candidate Hillary Scholten raised over $1.5 million over the past three months, her campaign said Friday, topping rival Republican candidate Peter Meijer’s $1 million fundraising haul. Counting Friday’s fundraising total, Scholten has now raised over $2.5 million since she jumped into the 3rd Congressional District race last year. As of June 30, the most recent period in which full FEC fundraising reports are available, Meijer had raised $1.5 million. The 3rd Congressional District encompasses Grand Rapids, a large portion of Kent County, part of Montcalm County, as well as Ionia, Barry and Calhoun counties. A Democrat has not represented the city of Grand Rapids in Congress since 1976.

Scholten, who worked at the Department of Justice during the Obama administration, criticized Meijer for pledging to support a repeal of the health care law if elected. The district encompasses Grand Rapids, a large portion of Kent County, part of Montcalm County, as well as Ionia, Barry and Calhoun counties. The West Michigan region leans conservative, and a Democrat hasn’t represented Grand Rapids in Congress since 1976. Elsewhere in the hour-long debate, Scholten and Meijer spoke about the coronavirus pandemic, racial justice, environmental pollution and “misleading” statements and campaign advertisements. “We absolutely do need another stimulus,” Scholten said.

The issue of elected officials using their position of power to strengthen their stock portfolio grabbed headlines this spring. The federal Stock Act prohibits elected officials from using private information obtained through their official duties for personal benefit. Elected officials can also put their holdings in a “qualified” blind trust, McGehee said. To be considered a qualified blind trust, a person’s assets or holdings are put under the control of an independent party. Meijer’s campaign did not respond when asked whether he, if elected, would place his assets, or the assets he’s the beneficiary of, into a qualified blind trust.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – An Iraq War veteran whose family started the Meijer chain of stores has won the Republican primary for the 3rd Congressional District in western Michigan. Peter Meijer, of Grand Rapids, topped the five-person field in Tuesday’s election. Scholten, a lawyer who worked in the Justice Department during the Obama presidency, ran unopposed in the Democratic primary. The district includes much of Kent County, a sliver of Montcalm County and all of Calhoun, Barry and Ionia counties. While it has long been held by Republicans — Amash often won by double digits — Democrats see an opportunity and plan to target it this fall.

Republican Peter Meijer has won the 2020 Republican primary election for U.S. House Michigan District 3. Meijer defeated Joe Farrington, Emily Rafi, Tom Norton, and Lynn Afendoulis in Tuesdays election. Meijer, who describes himself a son of West Michigan and a veteran of the war in Iraq, will now go up against Democrat Hillary Scholten in November. Scholten ran unopposed in the Aug. 4 primary. Related: Latest Election news