Michigan › Ionia County › Michigan House District 78
2 candidates are tracked for Michigan House District 78 on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Rachel Gross and Brandon L. Strong. Candidate information follows official Ionia County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
Rachel Gross (Democratic), Brandon L. Strong (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Michigan House District 78. Not on the November ballot: Gina Johnsen, the sitting member per the roster. Nominees were chosen at the August 4, 2026 primary, per the Michigan Secretary of State's official results; Michigan prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Rachel Gross is the Democratic nominee for Michigan House District 78 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Michigan Secretary of State's official August 4, 2026 primary results. Gross describes herself as a daughter of rural Michigan and centers her campaign on rural communities, per votegross.com.
2026 priorities (per the votegross.com)
- Support farmers and small businesses
- Invest in education and infrastructure
- Expand rural health care access
Source: candidate campaign site.
Campaign site →
Brandon Strong is the executive director of Barry County Christian Schools with more than 20 years of experience as a teacher, administrator and school leader, according to his campaign site, including stints as a high school principal in North Dakota and a special education teacher in Wyoming. He serves as board chairman of the Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance.
2026 priorities (per the brandonformichigan.com)
- Educational freedom and parental rights
- Fiscal responsibility and local workforce development
Source: candidate campaign site.
Campaign site →
