Marshall Kilgore in the lead for Grand Rapids Third Ward seat

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Marshall Kilgore appears to be in the lead for the Grand Rapids Third Ward SEAT in the Tuesday, Nov. 5 general election.

As of 1 a.m. Wednesday, Kilgore was headed for victory with 57.71% of the vote, or 14,338 votes, with none of the 26 precincts fully reporting, according to unofficial election results from the Kent County Clerk's Office.

Kilgore's opponent, Bing Goei, was in second place with 40.08% of the vote, or 9,958 votes, according to the unofficial results. There were 547 write-in candidates.

The Third Ward seat up for grabs this fall is currently held by Goei, who was unanimously appointed to the role in March by the city commission to replace former commissioner Nathaniel Moody. Moody resigned late last year for personal reasons.

Kilgore, 25, is the director of engagement at West Michigan Environmental Action Council. He earned his bachelor's degree in political science from Western Michigan University.

Kilgore serves on the leadership team for Seeds of Promise and on the city's Vital Streets Oversight Commission, Housing Appeals Board and the Urban Agriculture Committee. In 2021, Kilgore made an unsuccessful run for the Kalamazoo City Commission . His campaign website can be found here .

The Third Ward is generally defined by Wealthy Street to the north, Jefferson Avenue to the west and the city's boundaries with neighboring municipalities to the south and east.