CANDIDATES
Jessica Swartz - Candidate for Congress MI-4
Endorsed by the Van Buren County Democratic Party
After graduating from American University Washington College of Law, Jessica worked as an appellate attorney for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, making sure veterans got the benefits they were promised by cracking down on waste, fraud, and abuse. Jessica waited tables on nights and weekends to pay down her student loans and mortgage.
In 2007, Jessica married her husband, Jamie, a former Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. They moved back to West Michigan to be close to family and raise their daughter. She continued her work for the VA in Battle Creek before taking a job at Western Michigan University, where she specialized in free speech cases and served as Deputy General Counsel.
In 2018, Jessica worked hard to ban both parties from partisan gerrymandering with the nonpartisan organization Voters Not Politicians. She’s also a girl scout troop leader and spends her Sundays at St. Thomas More Catholic Parish Church.
Rep. Joey Andrews IV - Candidate for MI State House District 38
Endorsed by the Van Buren County Democratic Party
Joey Andrews, a St. Joseph native, seeks re-election in Michigan's 38th House District, spanning Berrien, Allegan, and Van Buren counties. After graduating from Lake Michigan Catholic Schools, he earned dual Bachelor’s degrees in History and Music, followed by a Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State University. Returning home post-law school, Joey spearheaded efforts to revitalize his family's business during the Great Recession, gaining firsthand understanding of community challenges.
Since taking office, Joey has shown unwavering commitment to progress and advocacy. He led efforts to repeal damaging “Right to Work” laws and defended reproductive rights, ensuring access to essential healthcare services. His support helped pass the expansions of the Elliott Larsen Civil Rights Act, which has advanced equality statewide.
Moreover, Joey's tenure witnessed significant investments and advancements in the district. Spearheading initiatives on crucial issues like shoreline erosion, he secured funding for vital studies and projects, safeguarding the region's natural resources. Joey's leadership also attracted major economic developments, including the historic Palisades Nuclear Energy Project. Re-electing Joey is essential for the continued progress and prosperity of Michigan's 38th House District.
Kerry Tapper - Candidate for MI State House District 39
Endorsed by the Van Buren County Democratic Party
With my years of experience and lessons learned as a mother, small business owner, and community member, I want to be a voice for the people of our uniquely beautiful 39th House District. I plan to listen first, research second, then take it to Lansing, to be a strong voice for each and every member of our community. I feel that together, we can Do Better, Be Better and Find the Balance!
I would love the opportunity to earn your vote.
Gail Patterson-Gladney - Candidate for VBC County Commissioner District 1
Endorsed by the Van Buren County Democratic Party
Nancy Backas - Candidate for VBC County Commissioner District 3
Endorsed by the Van Buren County Democratic Party
As a small business owner, Nancy became proficient at troubleshooting and gathering information to make informed decisions. She wants to take those skills and work to improve the lives of Van Buren County families. Whether it’s finding ways to provide more affordable housing, assuring food security for all residents, keeping the charm of our rural community by preventing over-development or working to ensure clean air and water, Nancy is committed to digging deep to find creative solutions.
Douglas Cultra - Candidate for Van Buren County Commission District 7
Endorsed by the Van Buren County Democratic Party
I graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Administration. I entered the City/County Management field working at Downers Grove, Il; Brookfield, Il; Glendale Heights, Il; Lapeer County, Mi and Van Buren County, Mi. I was the Chief Administrative Officer in the last three governmental agencies. In 1987 I became VanBuren County’s first County Administrator. In 1994, I was named the County Administrator of the year by the Michigan Association of Counties.
In 1995 we started Brookside Mortgage Corporation with 3 people and expanded to 3 Branch Offices and 30 employees.
- In 2006 I returned to County Government where I was able to balance the budget and prepare a sound financial plan and the following successes:
- Dramatically increased the County’s financial reserves.
- Remodeled Department of Humans Services Building in Paw Paw; State of Michigan Dept of Social Services Offices in Hartford; Annex Building, Paw Paw and County Jail and Sheriff’s Department Offices.
- Created a Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Worked with the Circuit Court to establish a Drug Treatment Court.
- Established an Employee/Union/Management Committee to improve employee’s health and reduce insurance premiums.
Barbara Rose - Candidate for Covert Township Trustee
Endorsed by the Van Buren County Democratic Party
Tim Martin - Candidate for Decatur Township Trustee
Endorsed by the Van Buren County Democratic Party
I am a Hoosier by birth and a Michigander by choice. While the cultures differ somewhat from place to place, all Americans want the same basic things: life, liberty, and the ability to pursue happiness. I believe that one of the main purposes of government, from the township level to the national level, is to balance the rights of all people.
My first job, at age 16, was as a grocery store carry-out boy. Later, I painted houses during the summers and worked as a taxicab driver in Minneapolis, Minnesota during my college years. I earned bachelor and master degrees in chemical engineering and then worked in the chemical industry for 27 years, in both engineering and management positions. Following my retirement from that industry, I worked at the college level as an instructor and administrator for 11 years. In the final chapter of my working life, I was co-founder, co-owner, and president of a small business for 6 years.
I believe that my upbringing, my education, my work experience, and my exposure to a variety of cultures have prepared me to handle the issues that arise in township governance fairly and effectively. I ask for your vote in the November election.
Michael Saenz - Candidate for South Haven Township Trustee
Endorsed by the Van Buren County Democratic Party
I grew up in the Detroit area, the son of a Union auto worker.
Married my high school sweetheart and Joined the Navy in 1984 serving our country for 8 years.
Moved to South Haven and worked for Palisades Nuclear power plant in 1992 and joined the Utility Workers Union of America. During that time, I became active in my Union and the Van Buren Democratic Party. Retired and left the plant and continued service for workers in Southwest Michigan.
Retired in 2018 after 26 years.
Returned to join the Holtec Palisades Energy team to restart the plant.
I’ve been an active member in the community the entire time as member of the American Legion, Elks, and Moose. I also volunteered with the South Haven Center for the Arts and the Box Factory for the Arts in St. Joseph as well as Team Ramagedon - South Haven’s Robotics team.
I’m here to listen to the people of our township and provide representation for all voters. I would like to provide a different perspective on our township governance that includes all our residents. I feel that with your support we can do better at keeping our township the beautiful home that we all will continue to enjoy in the future.
Marie Botchie - Candidate for Paw Paw Public Schools Board of Education
Endorsed by the Van Buren County Democratic Party
I am a retired teacher and am qualified thru experience in service to Public Schools.
- K-12 General and Special Education
- Began career as an Instructional Aide and then Substitute Teacher (all grades, subjects and ability levels)
- Decades as a certificated high school teacher in Special Education, Science, Health, School to Career
- Over a decade as a Coach
- Over a decade of Faculty Leadership
- 15 years as Special Education Department Chair (12 teachers, 30 Instr. Aides, and over 300 students a year)
- Program Specialist (8th grade through age 22)
- Union Representative for Teachers' Association
I would be honored by your vote to be part of leading Paw Paw School District from Good to GREAT!
LINKS: Facebook
Dr. Kathy Purnell - Candidate for Kalamazoo Valley Community College Trustee
Endorsed by the Van Buren County Democratic Party
I am running to continue my service as a Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) Trustee (partial-term). I currently serve as a KVCC Trustee. Educational opportunity transforms lives and empowers communities. I am a first-generation college graduate who remembers the challenges faced, and all of the supportive faculty, administrators and other institutional supports that made my degree completions possible. My commitment to ensuring higher education remains affordable, accessible, equitable and student-focused stems from my experience as an educator and administrator. I have been teaching at universities professionally, both full-time and part-time, since 1998 in the fields of political science, public law, and nonprofit administration, including appointments at WMU. I have also served in many full-time roles in university administration, including 7 years at WMU developing academic partnerships for research and experiential learning. In my mid-30s, I decided to pursue a law degree part-time while working full-time. I am now a small business owner and managing attorney of the Human/Civil Rights Law Center, a social enterprise devoted to advancing human rights. I will always advocate for KVCC to expand access, to meet every student where they are, and to mobilize resources for their lifelong success.
John Wagner - Candidate for Almena Township Trustee
Endorsed by the Van Buren County Democratic Party
State Wide Election Endorsements
President and Vice President
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz
United States Sentate
Elissa Slotkin
Michigan Supreme Court (2)
Justice Kyra Harris Bolden
Kimberly Thomas
Board of Education (2)
Adam Zemke
Theodore Jones
Michigan State University Board of Trustees (2)
Rebecca Bahar-Cook
Thomas Stallworth
University of Michigan Board of Regents (2)
Denise Illitch
Dr. Shauna Ryder-Diggs
Wayne State University Board of Governors (2)
Mark Gaffney
Rasha Demashkieh