2 candidates are tracked for Michigan House District 78 on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Rachel Gross and Brandon L. Strong. Candidate information follows official Ionia County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
Rachel Gross (Democratic), Brandon L. Strong (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Michigan House District 78. Not on the November ballot: Gina Johnsen, the sitting member per the roster. Nominees were chosen at the August 4, 2026 primary, per the Michigan Secretary of State's official results; Michigan prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
State legislator. State legislators write and vote on state laws and the state budget, which fund schools, roads, prisons, universities and health programs, and set the rules for local governments and elections. Each member represents one district and serves on committees that shape bills before a floor vote. Terms are two years in most state houses and four in most state senates.
This race. Elected by district: only voters who live in the district see this race on their ballot.
Michigan › Ionia County › Michigan House District 78
Democratic
Per the campaign site.
Rachel Gross is the Democratic nominee for Michigan House District 78 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Michigan Secretary of State's official August 4, 2026 primary results. Gross describes herself as a daughter of rural Michigan and centers her campaign on rural communities, per votegross.com.
Republican
Per the campaign site.
Brandon Strong is the executive director of Barry County Christian Schools with more than 20 years of experience as a teacher, administrator and school leader, according to his campaign site, including stints as a high school principal in North Dakota and a special education teacher in Wyoming. He serves as board chairman of the Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance.
Who is running for Michigan House District 78 in 2026?
2 candidates are tracked for Michigan House District 78 on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Rachel Gross and Brandon L. Strong. Candidate information follows official Ionia County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
When is the Michigan House District 78 election in Michigan?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Michigan are on the Michigan election hub at theballotbrief.com.
How do I see my exact Ionia County ballot?
Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.
Candidate roster from official Ionia County and state election office filings, last verified October 1, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.
Cross-check with the official Michigan election office, or see the full Ionia County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.
62 tracked races in Ionia County, Michigan. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.