Primary Election Overview: 72^nd House District

Through the primary election on August 2, on every Tuesday and Thursday on the MLC Blog we will be highlighting races for which the primary is the key race due to the voter base.  Candidate’s website and professional information is listed when available.

District Overview

The 72^nd House District is on located on the west side of the state and includes a portion of Allegan and Kent Counties; including Dorr Township, Leighton Township, the City of Wayland, Wayland Township, Gaines Township, and the City of Kentwood.   The winner of the Republican primary will most likely win the general election given that the district has a strong 64.54% Republican District base.

Commentary

Current Representative, Ken Yonker, is serving his third and final term in the House.  Republican candidate Robert Coughlin will have the benefit of name recognition in Kentwood due to his thirteen years on the County Commission.  Fellow Republican candidate, Ryan Gallogly, could have some name recognition with voters, having volunteered and served on the boards of several non-profit groups.  Tony Noto has great name ID with his restaurant Noto’s being a staple in the Kentwood area.  Unlike many other primary, this primary will be a race to watch on election night with currently no clear front runner.

Democratic Candidates:

• Dick Cunningham – United States Coast Guard retiree.
• Steve Shoemaker – Former machine repair tradesman.

Republican Candidates:

• Robert Coughlin – Sales management in the consumer products industry and Kentwood Commissioner since 2003.
• Ryan Gallogly – Public school teacher.
• Bill Hirsch – Dairy farmer, former Kent County Commissioner.
• Steven Johnson – Air Force Veteran and former MI House of Representative intern.
• Tony Noto – Restaurant owner and retired public school teacher.

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