Van Buren County, Michigan

Michigan House District 39

2 candidates are tracked for Michigan House District 39 on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Kerry Tapper and Pauline Wendzel. Candidate information follows official Van Buren County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

About this race

Kerry Tapper (Democratic), Pauline Wendzel (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Michigan House District 39; Pauline Wendzel is the sitting member, per the Michigan House of Representatives's official roster (gophouse.org). 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.

What this office does

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. The sitting officeholder, Pauline Wendzel, is on the ballot.

Michigan › Van Buren County › Michigan House District 39

Kerry Tapper

Democratic

Top priorities

Cutting the cost of living for families
Protecting and improving public education
Making health care affordable and accessible, and expanding broadband access

Per the campaign site.

Biography

Tapper is a small business owner who has worked alongside her husband, John, for 30 years, per the campaign site. She grew up in Boyne City, graduated second in her high school class, and earned a bachelor's degree in marketing from Central Michigan University before returning to Michigan to raise her family in Paw Paw, per the campaign site.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Pauline Wendzel

Republican Incumbent

Biography

Pauline Wendzel is the sitting state representative for Michigan House District 39, according to the Michigan House Republicans roster. No campaign website was found as of September 20, 2026.

Next on your ballotMichigan Senate District 19

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Voting info and more

Questions about this race

Who is running for Michigan House District 39 in 2026?

When is the Michigan House District 39 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 Van Buren 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.

Verify this race

Candidate roster from official Van Buren County and state election office filings. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

Cross-check with the official Michigan election office, or see the full Van Buren County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.

The rest of your Van Buren County ballot

4 tracked races in Van Buren County, Michigan. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.

Also on your ballot

Michigan Senate District 20 Michigan House District 38 See all 4 Van Buren County races

Candidate profiles

Kerry Tapper, full profile Pauline Wendzel, full profile Official Michigan election office