Martin High School graduate and former Board of Education member Austin Marsman announced Tuesday that he is a candidate for State Representative in District 42. 

The district includes the Kalamazoo County townships of Alamo, Brady, Comstock, Cooper, Pavilion, Prairie Ronde, Richland, Ross and Schoolcraft, parts of Kalamazoo and Oshtemo townships and the cities of Galesburg and Parchment. It also includes the Allegan County township of Gun Plain, part of Otsego Township and the cities of Otsego and Plainwell.

Marsman, a Democrat who now lives in Plainwell, said, “I’m running because we deserve a reliable voice in Lansing who stands up for us instead of one that tears our communities apart.” 

State Rep. Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) has served for three two-year terms and now is term limited.

Marsman said the State House Democratic majority passed legislation in 2023 to repeal the retirement tax, invest in public education, make communities safer and protect fundamental freedoms.

“I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and build on the progress Michigan has made,” he said. “My extreme MAGA opponent’s record of chaos and partisanship has failed our working families. As your next State Representative, I’ll work with anyone — Republican or Democrat — serious about getting things done.”

Marsman said the 42nd District race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive State House races in Michigan this year.

“We will need all hands on deck in order to win this district based in Allegan and Kalamazoo County.

Hall two years ago defeated Democratic challenger Justin Mendoza in the first contest after redistricting for the 2022 election.

Marsman was elected to the Martin Board of Education three years ago. He lost a bid for a seat on the Allegan County Board of Commissioners in 2022. He resigned his seat on the school board after he moved to Plainwell.