Follow the Money: Campaign Contributions and Endorsements from the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce

The Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce has a long history of endorsing and providing campaign contributions to candidates in the greater Grand Rapids area.

Endorsements from the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce have also involved non-partisan political races, such as Grand Rapids Mayor and Grand Rapids City Commission Candidates. For example, in 2022 the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce gave 1st Ward Candidate Andrew Robbins $10,500.

In the 2024 Election here is a list of candidates that received campaign contributions from the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce. All of the candidates listed here won their election, except for Dean Pacific and Tommy Brann.

• Dean Pacific: 1st Ward Grand Rapids City Commission – $7075.00
• Tommy Brann: 83rd District State Representative – $2500.00
• Richard Williamson: GRPS Board of Education – $1000.00
• David LaGrand: Mayor of Grand Rapids – $1000.00
• Aric Nesbitt: 20th District State Senate – $1,000.00
• Arick Davis: GRPS Board of Education – $1000.00
• House Republican Campaign Committee – $1000.00
• Posthumus Majority Fund – $500.00
• Carol Glanville: 84th State Representative – $250.00
• Dan Burrill: 8th District Kent County Commission – $250.00

In a recent GR Chamber online post they listed candidates whom they are endorsing for the 2026 Election:

MICHIGAN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:     

• District 44: Steve Frisbie (R) 
• District 81: Stephen Wooden (D) 
• District 83: John Fitzgerald (D) 
• District 84: Drew Robbins (R) 
• District 85: Bradley Slagh (R) 
• District 86: Nancy DeBoer (R) 
• District 87: Will Snyder (D) 
• District 88: Greg VanWoerkom (R) 
• District 90: Lynn Afendoulis (R) 
• District 91: Pat Outman (R) 
• District 101: Jaxon Deur (R) 
• District 102: Curt VanderWall (R)
  

MICHIGAN STATE SENATE

• District 18: Thomas Albert (R) 
• District 20: Chris Moraitis (R) 
• District 30: Mark Huizenga (R) 
• District 32: Kim Cole (R) 
• District 33: Gina Johnsen (R) & Katie DeBoer (R)
  

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

• District 2: John Moolenaar (R) 
• District 4: Bill Huizenga (R) 

Now, most of the candidates listed here are Republican candidates. However, there are three Democrats that are being endorsed by the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, which begs the question – Why would Democrats take money from a PAC that specifically works to expand the wealth of the Capitalist Class?

Now, as with all political contributions there is never one simple answer. One reason why the GR Chamber of Commerce might chose to give to Democrats is because the district they are running for almost always is won by a Democrat, so why not give money to gain greater access to a political candidate. Others might say it is mostly about access, since candidates that are elected will more likely give individuals or entities more time to talk than they would regular folk.

However, there is a third reason, which is that most elected Democrats also have a deep commitment to the economic system of capitalism and defending business interests. All one has to do is look at how Democratic politicians have collaborated and cooperated with business interests, especially since the Democrats have fully embraced Neo-Liberal economic policies, most definitely since the Clinton Administration.

Lastly, I believe it is important for people to push back on any candidate, but especially Democrats that take money from the likes of the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce. More and more groups across the US are saying that they will not endorse or vote for candidates that take money from PACs that are specifically designed to expand the wealth of the Capitalist Class.