A Kalamazoo-based attorney has launched a campaign for Congress in the Fourth District, which is currently represented by Congressman Bill Huizenga. Jessica Swartz is a Democrat who tells us what’s been happening in politics the last several years has not been moving the country forward.
“I’ve been here in west Michigan most of my life,” Swartz said. “I’ve been here in Kalamazoo for a good seven years, and I’ve just been out and about and hearing people talking. They’re working hard and trying to put food on the table, and they’re so sick and tired of all the extremism from both parties.”
Swartz grew up in Grand Rapids, went to MSU, went to law school in Washington, and worked as an attorney for the Veterans Administration before coming back to Michigan. In Kalamazoo, she focuses on education law and free speech. She sees an opportunity for a Democrat to flip the Fourth District.
“Governor Whitmer won here, Prop 3 won here. So, between the people who are in favor of both of those and the moderates who are fed up with extremism, I really think we have a strong chance of winning this district.”
Swartz says Bill Huizenga has not yet done much for the Kalamazoo area, unlike former Congressman Fred Upton, who she says she respects. In fact, she says her decision to run was influenced by the changes caused by redistricting that forced Upton into retirement. Swartz’s top issues are the economy, the environment, and stopping attacks on the rights of women. She’ll be in St. Joseph this weekend at the farmers market. Swartz will face Joseph Alfonso in a Democratic primary to take on Huizenga next year.
