LaGrand served as a Democrat in the Michigan State House of Representatives for six years, between 2015 and 2022.
According to a May 30 press release, LaGrand will focus on housing and homelessness, public safety and justice, environmental sustainability, and government transparency and accountability.
"We must take action to ensure everyone has secure housing, to make our neighborhoods safer, make our city sustainable, and make city hall more transparent and accessible to Grand Rapidans,” he said. “There's so much to do, we can accomplish it if we work together."
LaGrand said he’s willing to work alongside city commissioners and other community leaders to strengthen the city and all who call it home.
"I've been an advocate for our city in Lansing and served in Grand Rapids during difficult times,” he said in the release. “I've been an effective voice for our community, working to make real change for the people who live here. I want to continue doing that work as your Mayor."
Before his term as state representative LaGrand had previously served on the Grand Rapids Public School Board of Education between 2012-2015 and on the Grand Rapids City Commission between 2007-2010.
He’s also served as an assistant Kent County Prosecutor and an attorney in private practice. According to the release, LaGrand founded several small businesses and is currently an owner and manager of Long Road Distillers and other West Michigan businesses.
Current Mayor Rosalynn Bliss is serving her second term, which expires on December 31, 2024. She was first elected in 2016 and is ineligible to seek another term.
The mayoral election will be held next November in 2024.
