Kris Pachla

Kent County Commissioner in Grand Rapids, MI

Kris Pachla is a candidate for Representative in State Legislature District 80 in Michigan State House District 80, Michigan — 2026 Primary Election.

Also running: Lily Cheng-Schulting, Kristen Fauson, Doug Lee.

Kris Pachla is a candidate for the Michigan House of Representatives in District 80. He currently serves as a Kent County Commissioner for the 19th District, and previously served as a City Commissioner in East Grand Rapids. Pachla began his career as a high school physics teacher before earning a PhD in education policy and working on STEM and workforce programs. His campaign priorities focus on education, environmental sustainability, and everyday economic improvements.