Democrat Glanville defeats Republican Wetzel in Grand Rapids area state House race

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — State Rep. Carol Glanville, D-Walker, has defeated Republican John Wetzel in the Nov. 5 general election for the 84th District state House race in Kent County.

Glanville defeated Wetzel 55% to 45%, the Associated Press reported. The results are considered unofficial until they are certified.

The 84th district encompasses Grandville, Walker and a portion of Grand Rapids that largely includes the city's Northwest Side.

Glanville is a former member of the Walker City Commission, and has worked in the education and nonprofit sectors before she was elected to the state House in May 2022. At the time, she won a special election to fill what was then the state House's 74th District. She was the first Democrat to win the seat in nearly three decades, defeating controversial Republican Robert Regan.

She was elected again in November 2022.

Wetzel, the owner of Pure POS, Inc., a company that creates point-of-sale systems (similar to a cash register) for the restaurant and hospitality industry. He received a bachelor's degree in business and information systems from Grand Valley State University.

"Since taking office, I've been a part of ensuring historic investments in education, enacting commons sense gun legislation, and championing millions in community investment," Glanville said in an online voter guide, when describing her reason for running for office.

"I'm currently working on creating affordable pathways for career development from high school to post-secondary opportunities, online data privacy for minors, access to voting for overseas military families, and more. I'm passionate about partnering with individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to enhance quality of life in Grand Rapids and beyond."