# Michigan's 3rd congressional district

Michigan's 3rd congressional district is a U.S. congressional district in West Michigan. From 2003 to 2013, it consisted of the counties of Barry and Ionia, as well as all except the northwestern portion of Kent, including the city of Grand Rapids. In 2012 redistricting, the district was extended to Battle Creek. In 2022, the district was condensed to the greater Grand Rapids and Muskegon areas, including portions of Kent, Muskegon, and Ottawa counties. Redistricting removed Barry, Calhoun, and Ionia counties.
The district is currently represented by Hillary Scholten, a member of the Democratic Party.

## Counties and municipalities

For the 118th and successive Congresses (based on redistricting following the 2020 census), the district contains all or portions of the following counties and municipalities:
Kent County (15)
    Ada Township, Alpine Township, Byron Township, Cannon Township, Cascade Charter Township, East Grand Rapids, Gaines Charter Township, Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Charter Township, Grandville, Kentwood, Plainfield Charter Township, Rockford, Walker, Wyoming
Muskegon County (12)
    Fruitport, Fruitport Charter Township, Laketon Township (part; also 2nd), Muskegon, Muskegon Charter Township (part; also 2nd), Muskegon Heights, North Muskegon (part; also 2nd), Norton Shores, Ravenna, Ravenna Township, Roosevelt Park, Sullivan Township
Ottawa County (13)
    Allendale Charter Township, Coopersville, Crockery Township, Ferrysburg, Georgetown Charter Township, Grand Haven, Grand Haven Charter Township, Polkton Charter Township, Robinson Township, Spring Lake, Spring Lake Township, Tallmadge Charter Township, Wright Township

## Recent election results from statewide races

| Year | Office | Results |
| 2008 | President | Obama 52% - 46% |
| 2012 | President | Romney 51% - 48% |
| 2016 | President | Clinton 46.9% - 46.8% |
| 2018 | Senate | Stabenow 51% - 47% |
| 2018 | Governor | Whitmer 52% - 45% |
| 2018 | Attorney General | Leonard 48% - 47% |
| 2020 | President | Biden 53% - 45% |
| 2020 | Senate | Peters 50% - 48% |
| 2022 | Governor | Whitmer 55% - 43% |
| 2022 | Secretary of State | Benson 57% - 41% |
| 2022 | Attorney General | Nessel 55% - 43% |
| 2024 | President | Harris 53% - 45% |
| 2024 | Senate | Slotkin 54% - 46% |

## History

Prior to 1993, the 3rd congressional district largely consisted of Calhoun and Eaton counties, about half of Lansing and surrounding Ingham County, and most of Kalamazoo County (including the city of Kalamazoo, but not Portage and the adjacent south-ward township). With the redistricting, the old 3rd district was split between the 6th and 7th congressional districts, with Kalamazoo going to the 6th district and most of Lansing going to the 8th district. Meanwhile, the new 3rd district was redrawn to become the Grand Rapids-based district, covering much of the territory which had previously constituted the 5th district from 1873 to 1993.
No Democrat had represented Grand Rapids in Congress since Richard Vander Veen from 1974 to 1977, prior to redistricting due to the 1990 census, which took effect in 1993 and moved Grand Rapids from the 5th to the 3rd congressional district. However, following the 2020 census, the 3rd district was redrawn once again, this time covering the more urban portions of Muskegon County and northern Ottawa County, which had previously been in the 2nd district. In the 2022 midterm elections Democratic candidate Hillary Scholten was chosen to represent the district.

## List of members representing the district

| Member | Party | Years | Cong ress | Electoral history | Location |
| District created March 4, 1843 ||||||
| James B. Hunt (Pontiac) | Democratic | March 4, 1843 – March 3, 1847 | 28th 29th | Elected in 1843. Re-elected in 1844. Retired. | 1843–1853 [data missing] |
| Kinsley S. Bingham (Kensington) | Democratic | March 4, 1847 – March 3, 1851 | 30th 31st | Elected in 1846. Re-elected in 1848. Retired. | 1843–1853 [data missing] |
| James L. Conger (Mount Clemens) | Whig | March 4, 1851 – March 3, 1853 | 32nd | Elected in 1850. Retired. | 1843–1853 [data missing] |
| Samuel Clark (Kalamazoo) | Democratic | March 4, 1853 – March 3, 1855 | 33rd | Elected in 1852. Lost re-election. | 1853–1863 [data missing] |
| David S. Walbridge (Kalamazoo) | Republican | March 4, 1855 – March 3, 1859 | 34th 35th | Elected in 1854. Re-elected in 1856. Retired. | 1853–1863 [data missing] |
| Francis William Kellogg (Grand Rapids) | Republican | March 4, 1859 – March 3, 1863 | 36th 37th | Elected in 1858. Re-elected in 1860. Redistricted to the 4th district. | 1853–1863 [data missing] |
| John W. Longyear (Lansing) | Republican | March 4, 1863 – March 3, 1867 | 38th 39th | Elected in 1862. Re-elected in 1864. Retired. | 1863–1873 [data missing] |
| Austin Blair (Jackson) | Republican | March 4, 1867 – March 3, 1873 | 40th 41st 42nd | Elected in 1866. Re-elected in 1868. Re-elected in 1870. Retired to run for Governor of Michigan. | 1863–1873 [data missing] |
| George Willard (Battle Creek) | Republican | March 4, 1873 – March 3, 1877 | 43rd 44th | Elected in 1872. Re-elected in 1874. Retired. | 1873–1883 [data missing] |
| Jonas H. McGowan (Coldwater) | Republican | March 4, 1877 – March 3, 1881 | 45th 46th | Elected in 1876. Re-elected in 1878. Retired. | 1873–1883 [data missing] |
| Edward S. Lacey (Charlotte) | Republican | March 4, 1881 – March 3, 1885 | 47th 48th | Elected in 1880. Re-elected in 1882. Retired. | 1873–1883 [data missing] |
| Edward S. Lacey (Charlotte) | Republican | March 4, 1881 – March 3, 1885 | 47th 48th | Elected in 1880. Re-elected in 1882. Retired. | 1883–1893 [data missing] |
| James O'Donnell (Jackson) | Republican | March 4, 1885 – March 3, 1893 | 49th 50th 51st 52nd | Elected in 1884. Re-elected in 1886. Re-elected in 1888. Re-elected in 1890. Redistricted to the 2nd district and lost re-election. | 1883–1893 [data missing] |
| Julius C. Burrows (Kalamazoo) | Republican | March 4, 1893 – January 23, 1895 | 53rd 54th | Redistricted from the 4th district and re-elected in 1892. Re-elected in 1894. Resigned when elected U.S. Senator. | 1893–1903 [data missing] |
| Vacant | Vacant | January 23, 1895 – December 2, 1895 | 53rd 54th | | 1893–1903 [data missing] |
| Alfred Milnes (Coldwater) | Republican | December 2, 1895 – March 3, 1897 | 53rd 54th | Elected to finish Burrows's term. Lost re-election. | 1893–1903 [data missing] |
| Albert M. Todd (Kalamazoo) | Democratic | March 4, 1897 – March 3, 1899 | 55th | Elected in 1896. Lost re-election. | 1893–1903 [data missing] |
| Washington Gardner (Albion) | Republican | March 4, 1899 – March 3, 1911 | 56th 57th 58th 59th 60th 61st | Elected in 1898. Re-elected in 1900. Re-elected in 1902. Re-elected in 1904. Re-elected in 1906. Re-elected in 1908. Lost renomination. | 1893–1903 [data missing] |
| Washington Gardner (Albion) | Republican | March 4, 1899 – March 3, 1911 | 56th 57th 58th 59th 60th 61st | Elected in 1898. Re-elected in 1900. Re-elected in 1902. Re-elected in 1904. Re-elected in 1906. Re-elected in 1908. Lost renomination. | 1913–1933 [data missing] |
| John M. C. Smith (Charlotte) | Republican | March 4, 1911 – March 3, 1921 | 62nd 63rd 64th 65th 66th | Elected in 1910. Re-elected in 1912. Re-elected in 1914. Re-elected in 1916. Re-elected in 1918. Retired. | 1913–1933 [data missing] |
| William H. Frankhauser (Hillsdale) | Republican | March 4, 1921 – May 9, 1921 | 67th | Elected in 1920. Died. | 1913–1933 [data missing] |
| Vacant | Vacant | May 9, 1921 – June 28, 1921 | 67th | | 1913–1933 [data missing] |
| John M. C. Smith (Charlotte) | Republican | June 28, 1921 – March 30, 1923 | 67th 68th | Elected to finish Frankhauser's term. Re-elected in 1922. Died. | 1913–1933 [data missing] |
| Vacant | Vacant | March 30, 1923 – June 19, 1923 | 68th | | 1913–1933 [data missing] |
| Arthur B. Williams (Battle Creek) | Republican | June 19, 1923 – May 1, 1925 | 68th 69th | Elected to finish Smith's term. Re-elected in 1924. Died. | 1913–1933 [data missing] |
| Vacant | Vacant | May 1, 1925 – August 18, 1925 | 69th | | 1913–1933 [data missing] |
| Joseph L. Hooper (Battle Creek) | Republican | August 18, 1925 – February 22, 1934 | 69th 70th 71st 72nd 73rd | Elected to finish Williams's term. Re-elected in 1926. Re-elected in 1928. Re-elected in 1930. Re-elected in 1932. Died. | 1913–1933 [data missing] |
| Joseph L. Hooper (Battle Creek) | Republican | August 18, 1925 – February 22, 1934 | 69th 70th 71st 72nd 73rd | Elected to finish Williams's term. Re-elected in 1926. Re-elected in 1928. Re-elected in 1930. Re-elected in 1932. Died. | 1933–1943 [data missing] |
| Vacant | Vacant | February 22, 1934 – January 3, 1935 | 73rd | | 1933–1943 [data missing] |
| Henry M. Kimball (Kalamazoo) | Republican | January 3, 1935 – October 19, 1935 | 74th | Elected in 1934. Died. | 1933–1943 [data missing] |
| Vacant | Vacant | October 19, 1935 – December 17, 1935 | 74th | | 1933–1943 [data missing] |
| Verner Main (Battle Creek) | Republican | December 17, 1935 – January 3, 1937 | 74th | Elected to finish Kimball's term. Lost renomination. | 1933–1943 [data missing] |
| Paul W. Shafer (Battle Creek) | Republican | January 3, 1937 – August 17, 1954 | 75th 76th 77th 78th 79th 80th 81st 82nd 83rd | Elected in 1936. Re-elected in 1938. Re-elected in 1940. Re-elected in 1942. Re-elected in 1944. Re-elected in 1946. Re-elected in 1948. Re-elected in 1950. Re-elected in 1952. Died. | 1933–1943 [data missing] |
| Paul W. Shafer (Battle Creek) | Republican | January 3, 1937 – August 17, 1954 | 75th 76th 77th 78th 79th 80th 81st 82nd 83rd | Elected in 1936. Re-elected in 1938. Re-elected in 1940. Re-elected in 1942. Re-elected in 1944. Re-elected in 1946. Re-elected in 1948. Re-elected in 1950. Re-elected in 1952. Died. | 1943–1953 [data missing] |
| Paul W. Shafer (Battle Creek) | Republican | January 3, 1937 – August 17, 1954 | 75th 76th 77th 78th 79th 80th 81st 82nd 83rd | Elected in 1936. Re-elected in 1938. Re-elected in 1940. Re-elected in 1942. Re-elected in 1944. Re-elected in 1946. Re-elected in 1948. Re-elected in 1950. Re-elected in 1952. Died. | 1953–1963 [data missing] |
| Vacant | Vacant | August 17, 1954 – January 3, 1955 | 83rd | | 1953–1963 [data missing] |
| August E. Johansen (Battle Creek) | Republican | January 3, 1955 – January 3, 1965 | 84th 85th 86th 87th 88th | Elected in 1954. Re-elected in 1956. Re-elected in 1958. Re-elected in 1960. Re-elected in 1962. Lost re-election. | 1953–1963 [data missing] |
| August E. Johansen (Battle Creek) | Republican | January 3, 1955 – January 3, 1965 | 84th 85th 86th 87th 88th | Elected in 1954. Re-elected in 1956. Re-elected in 1958. Re-elected in 1960. Re-elected in 1962. Lost re-election. | 1963–1973 [data missing] |
| Paul H. Todd Jr. (Kalamazoo) | Democratic | January 3, 1965 – January 3, 1967 | 89th | Elected in 1964. Lost re-election. | 1963–1973 [data missing] |
| Garry E. Brown (Schoolcraft) | Republican | January 3, 1967 – January 3, 1979 | 90th 91st 92nd 93rd 94th 95th | Elected in 1966. Re-elected in 1968. Re-elected in 1970. Re-elected in 1972. Re-elected in 1974. Re-elected in 1976. Lost re-election. | 1963–1973 [data missing] |
| Garry E. Brown (Schoolcraft) | Republican | January 3, 1967 – January 3, 1979 | 90th 91st 92nd 93rd 94th 95th | Elected in 1966. Re-elected in 1968. Re-elected in 1970. Re-elected in 1972. Re-elected in 1974. Re-elected in 1976. Lost re-election. | 1973–1983 [data missing] |
| Howard Wolpe (Lansing) | Democratic | January 3, 1979 – January 3, 1993 | 96th 97th 98th 99th 100th 101st 102nd | Elected in 1978. Re-elected in 1980. Re-elected in 1982. Re-elected in 1984. Re-elected in 1986. Re-elected in 1988. Re-elected in 1990. Retired to run for Governor of Michigan. | 1973–1983 [data missing] |
| Howard Wolpe (Lansing) | Democratic | January 3, 1979 – January 3, 1993 | 96th 97th 98th 99th 100th 101st 102nd | Elected in 1978. Re-elected in 1980. Re-elected in 1982. Re-elected in 1984. Re-elected in 1986. Re-elected in 1988. Re-elected in 1990. Retired to run for Governor of Michigan. | 1983–1993 [data missing] |
| Paul B. Henry (Grand Rapids) | Republican | January 3, 1993 – July 31, 1993 | 103rd | Redistricted from the 5th district and re-elected in 1992. Died. | 1993–2003 |
| Vacant | Vacant | July 31, 1993 – December 7, 1993 | 103rd | | 1993–2003 |
| Vern Ehlers (Grand Rapids) | Republican | December 7, 1993 – January 3, 2011 | 103rd 104th 105th 106th 107th 108th 109th 110th 111th | Elected to finish Henry's term. Re-elected in 1994. Re-elected in 1996. Re-elected in 1998. Re-elected in 2000. Re-elected in 2002. Re-elected in 2004. Re-elected in 2006. Re-elected in 2008. Retired. | 1993–2003 |
| Vern Ehlers (Grand Rapids) | Republican | December 7, 1993 – January 3, 2011 | 103rd 104th 105th 106th 107th 108th 109th 110th 111th | Elected to finish Henry's term. Re-elected in 1994. Re-elected in 1996. Re-elected in 1998. Re-elected in 2000. Re-elected in 2002. Re-elected in 2004. Re-elected in 2006. Re-elected in 2008. Retired. | 2003–2013 |
| Justin Amash (Cascade Township) | Republican | January 3, 2011 – July 4, 2019 | 112th 113th 114th 115th 116th | Elected in 2010. Re-elected in 2012. Re-elected in 2014. Re-elected in 2016. Re-elected in 2018. Retired. | 2003–2013 |
| Justin Amash (Cascade Township) | Republican | January 3, 2011 – July 4, 2019 | 112th 113th 114th 115th 116th | Elected in 2010. Re-elected in 2012. Re-elected in 2014. Re-elected in 2016. Re-elected in 2018. Retired. | 2013–2023 |
| Justin Amash (Cascade Township) | Independent | July 4, 2019 – April 28, 2020 | 112th 113th 114th 115th 116th | Elected in 2010. Re-elected in 2012. Re-elected in 2014. Re-elected in 2016. Re-elected in 2018. Retired. | 2013–2023 |
| Justin Amash (Cascade Township) | Libertarian | April 28, 2020 – January 3, 2021 | 112th 113th 114th 115th 116th | Elected in 2010. Re-elected in 2012. Re-elected in 2014. Re-elected in 2016. Re-elected in 2018. Retired. | 2013–2023 |
| Peter Meijer (Grand Rapids) | Republican | January 3, 2021 – January 3, 2023 | 117th | Elected in 2020. Lost renomination. | 2013–2023 |
| Hillary Scholten (Grand Rapids) | Democratic | January 3, 2023 – present | 118th 119th | Elected in 2022. Re-elected in 2024. | 2023–present |

## Recent election results
### 2012

Michigan's 3rd congressional district, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Justin Amash (incumbent) | 171,675 | 52.6 |
| | Democratic | Steve Pestka | 144,108 | 44.2 |
| | Libertarian | Bill Gelineau | 10,498 | 3.2 |
| | Independent | Steven Butler (write-in) | 2 | 0.0 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 326,283 | 100.0 |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### 2014

Michigan's 3rd congressional district, 2014 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Justin Amash (incumbent) | 125,754 | 57.9 |
| | Democratic | Bob Goodrich | 84,720 | 39.0 |
| | Green | Tonya Duncan | 6,691 | 3.1 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 217,165 | 100.0 |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### 2016

Michigan's 3rd congressional district, 2016 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Justin Amash (incumbent) | 203,545 | 59.5 |
| | Democratic | Douglas Smith | 128,400 | 37.5 |
| | Constitution | Ted Gerrard | 10,420 | 3.0 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 342,365 | 100.0 |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### 2018

Michigan's 3rd congressional district, 2018 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Justin Amash (incumbent) | 169,107 | 54.4 |
| | Democratic | Cathy Albro | 134,185 | 43.2 |
| | Constitution | Ted Gerrard | 7,445 | 2.4 |
| | Independent | Joe Farrington (write-in) | 3 | 0.0 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 310,740 | 100.0 |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### 2020

Michigan's 3rd congressional district, 2020 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Peter Meijer | 213,649 | 53.0 |
| | Democratic | Hillary Scholten | 189,769 | 47.0 |
| | Independent | Richard Fuentes (write-in) | 1 | 0.0 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 403,419 | 100.0 |
| | Republican gain from Libertarian | Republican gain from Libertarian | Republican gain from Libertarian | Republican gain from Libertarian |

### 2022

Michigan's 3rd congressional district, 2022 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Hillary Scholten | 185,989 | 54.8 |
| | Republican | John Gibbs | 142,229 | 41.9 |
| | Libertarian | Jamie Lewis | 6,634 | 1.9 |
| | Working Class | Louis Palus | 4,136 | 1.2 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 338,988 | 100.0 |
| | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican |

### 2024

Michigan's 3rd congressional district, 2024 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Hillary Scholten (incumbent) | 225,510 | 53.7 |
| | Republican | Paul Hudson | 183,952 | 43.8 |
| | Working Class | Louis Palus | 5,546 | 1.3 |
| | Libertarian | Alex Avery | 5,281 | 1.2 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 420,289 | 100.0 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |