GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — The 2024 race for mayor of Grand Rapids officially began on Tuesday as its first candidate filed to be on the ballot.
According to the city clerk's office, former Third Ward Commissioner Senita Lenear, who sat on the city commission from 2014 to 2022, filed the petitions needed to run for the post.
In 2022, Lenear was term limited and could not run for re-election. That's now the case for current Mayor Rosalynn Bliss, who was first elected in 2016 and whose term will end on Dec. 31, 2024.
Lenear and her husband are both owners of non-profit Genesis Consulting Group, coordinating public and private events.
Less than a year after leaving office, Lenear told 13 ON YOUR SIDE Tuesday that she's entering the race to build on the progress she believes she made while in office.
"I want Grand Rapids to be the place where everyone can say that they love being in Grand Rapids, and there's work to be done, but I'm the person here who was able to get it done," Lenear said. "That's why I'm the first person to have filed those petitions - because I'm not all about talk; I'm all about action. And so, my petitions are filed, I'm talking about my candidacy and this time to win this election."
In a separate statement, Lenear said she'd seek to use her experience, listening ear, business acumen, and ability to collaborate to get the best results for Grand Rapids.
“As mayor, my focus will be to fully invest in the economic development plan, SAFE Task Force, Third Ward Equity Fund, fully implement the City’s carbon neutral goals, river restoration, amphitheater and Lead reduction initiatives, while exploring A2P, intentional redevelopment along Alpine, 28th Street and Plainfield, and other innovative ideas," Lenear said in her statement.
Lenear's announcement revealed that she had already notched the endorsement of at least one city official: Second Ward Commissioner Milinda Ysasi.
"I am proud to have served with former City Commissioner Lenear, she is my choice for the next Mayor of Grand Rapids," Ysasi said in Lenear's campaign announcement.
David LaGrand, who most recently served as a state representative between 2015-2022, announced he was running for mayor in May.
He said he wants to find solutions for housing and homelessness, public safety, environmental sustainability, and government transparency and accountability.
"We have to really address issues of housing and homelessness," LaGrand told 13 ON YOUR SIDE earlier this year. "So, that's an issue probably across the country. But it's certainly an issue in Grand Rapids, and affordable housing and having enough housing stock."
LaGrand also previously served on the Grand Rapids City Commission and Grand Rapids Public School Board.
While Lenear and LaGrand could face off in Election Day on Nov. 5, 2024, the city confirmed that, as of Tuesday afternoon, Lenear was the only candidate to have officially filed in the race.
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