Primary Election Overview: 80th House District

Jun 16, 2026

by Liz Gullett

As MLC’s Communications and Social Media Manager, Liz Gullett keeps clients informed and up-to-date on the goings on in Lansing and the Capitol.

Leading up to the August 4 primary, we are highlighting key races shaped by voter demographics in the district. Candidate websites and professional backgrounds are listed when available. 

District Overview

The district includes Cascade Township, Kentwood, East Grand Rapids, southern Grand Rapids Township, and a portion of Grand Rapids.

Commentary 

After two terms serving in the House, Democratic Representative Phil Skaggs opted to run for a seat in the Michigan Senate. While the partisan split is close, Representative Skaggs has performed well in this seat, and it is likely the winner of the Democratic primary race will have a good shot at winning this November against the sole Republican candidate, Doug Lee.

Democratic Candidates:

    • Lily Cheng-Schulting – Attorney, small business owner.
    • Kristen Fauson -Forest Hills Board of Education member, teacher, worked in nuclear elimination.
    • Kris Pachla – Kent County Commissioner, former teacher, worked in education policy.

Michigan Legislative Consultants is a bipartisan lobbying firm based in Lansing, Michigan. Our team of lobbyists and procurement specialists provide a wide range of services for some of the most respected companies in America. For more on MLC, visit www.mlcmi.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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