GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) -- Another candidate has thrown his hat into the race for Michigan House Representative in the 76th District.

Keith Allard will run as an Independent candidate as he tries to unseat the incumbent Roy Schmidt, who recently switched parties from Democrat to Republican.

As an Independent, Allard will not be on the primary ballot, which takes place on August 7th. He has filed petitions to appear on the November ballot.  A check of the county website, accesskent.com, shows Allard submitted petitions to run on July 18th,  following the Kent County Prosecutor's review of the Michigan State Police Investigation. The Kent County Clerk's office confirms he has enough signatures to appear on the ballot and will be listed with no party affiliation (NPA).

Allard was born in Grand Rapids and attended Catholic Central High School. He was an intern for former Governor Jennifer Granholm, and later worked with the governor for 7 years.