Through the primary election on August 6, we will highlight races for which the primary is the key race due to the voter base. The candidate’s website, professional information, and a sample of known endorsements are listed when available.
District Overview
The 44th House District is located in Calhoun County, including Albion, Battle Creek, and Springfield.
Commentary
Representative Jim Haadsma is running for a fourth term representing this district in the House. While this district is viewed as Democratic-leaning, despite his years of service and building of name ID, he will need to campaign hard for the seat after the primary race. Three candidates are running in the Republican primary race, at least one has experience campaigning and is a local elected official, providing him name recognition within the district.
Democratic Candidate:
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- Representative Jim Haadsma – State representative, attorney, and served on the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners.
Republican Candidates:
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- Steve Frisbie – Paramedic, Calhoun County Board of Commissioner, adjunct instructor at Kalamazoo Community College, and volunteer firefighter.
- Alexander Harris
- Just Shotts