Patrick Kapenga — Republican for Michigan House District 89
Fighting to cut the waste in Lansing, eliminate Michigan's income tax, and return our state to meritocracy — where hard work is rewarded. A West Michigan farmer, business owner, and father running to put District 89 families first.
Three Commitments to Fix Michigan
Michigan's government isn't working for you. Patrick has a clear plan to fix it. First, find the waste and eliminate it. Second, return your money to your pocket. Third, restore a system where hard work and merit matter again.
DOGE Lansing: Eliminate Waste, Unlock Progress
Michigan's government is drowning in waste. Bloated agencies, redundant programs, consultant contracts that go nowhere — taxpayer money is disappearing into black holes while roads crumble and schools struggle. Patrick will conduct a comprehensive audit of state spending, eliminate duplication, cut wasteful programs, and restore accountability to Lansing. This is the foundation that makes everything else possible.
- Conduct a zero-based audit of state spending to find hidden waste and redundancy
- Eliminate duplicative agencies and consolidate inefficient programs
- Cut consultant contracts and executive bloat that drain taxpayer dollars
- Create real accountability — government works for you, not the other way around
Eliminate Michigan's Income Tax
Michigan's 4.25% income tax drains thousands from working families every year — money that should stay in your pocket. But here's the truth: we can't just cut taxes without cutting waste first. That's why DOGE Lansing comes first. Once we eliminate government waste, we can responsibly phase out the income tax entirely — putting real money back in your hands.
- Phase out Michigan's 4.25% income tax through responsible, phased elimination
- Redirect savings to working families — $2,400+ per household annually
- Make Michigan competitive with the nine states that already have zero income tax
- Create an economy where your effort and merit determine your success
Return to Meritocracy: Restore the American Dream
The American Dream isn't dead — it's asleep. And Michigan needs to wake it up. For too long, our institutions have prioritized everything except merit. Patrick will fight to restore merit-based systems in education, workforce development, business licensing, and hiring. If you work hard, you should succeed. If you're the most qualified, you should get the job. That's not radical. That's American.
- Restore merit-based systems in schools, colleges, and workforce development
- Remove barriers that punish success and reward mediocrity
- Attract and retain talent by proving excellence still matters in Michigan
- Build an economy where hard work = reward, and skill = opportunity
One of Us —Not a Career Politician.
Patrick Kapenga grew up on a farm in West Michigan, built his own business, and has spent his adult life serving family and community. He has seen firsthand what big government does to real families — and he decided to do something about it.
Small business is in his blood — his great-grandfather opened Jack's Hamburgs in 1961, and Patrick started baling hay on his grandfather's farm at the age of five. When the 2008 collapse wiped the family out financially, they moved in with relatives and paid back every penny they owed.
Patrick has walked the walk. He and his wife have raised their own kids, opened their home as foster parents, managed payroll, and led through faith. That is not a campaign bio — it is a Tuesday.
Lansing has lost touch with the people it is supposed to serve, and Patrick decided he was done waiting for someone else to fix it. He will fight to eliminate Michigan's income tax entirely. He will stand with farmers against state overreach. And he will defend the sanctity of life — full stop. He has lived these convictions every single day.
"I will go to Lansing with three promises: cut the waste, eliminate the income tax, and reward hard work over handouts. That is what I am asking for your vote on, and I will not back down."
- Patrick Kapenga, Candidate for Michigan State Representative District 89
This Race Will Be Won on the Ground
Patrick cannot do this alone. Every door knocked, every sign planted, every dollar donated brings District 89 one step closer to a representative who actually fights for you.
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Michigan House District 89
District 89 spans three counties across West Michigan. Patrick Kapenga will represent all of them — the families, the workers, the small business owners — with integrity and conservative conviction.
Kent County
Kent County is the heart of West Michigan — Grand Rapids, the surrounding suburbs, and the small towns that make this region what it is. Families, churches, and locally-owned businesses drive everything here.
Ottawa County
Ottawa County runs deep — deep faith, deep agricultural roots, and a deep commitment to limited government. It is one of the most conservative counties in Michigan for a reason.
Muskegon County
The lakeshore communities of Muskegon County are built by people who work with their hands — blue-collar families, manufacturers, small-town leaders. They deserve a representative who shows up for them.
"Every resident of District 89 deserves a representative who shows up, listens, and fights for their interests - not for the party bosses in Lansing."
- Patrick Kapenga
News & Announcements
Stay current with Patrick's campaign trail, endorsements, and policy positions.
This Is What I'm Running On - And Why It Can't Wait
Patrick Kapenga is running for Michigan House District 89 with a clear plan and no interest in political games. Three pillars. One mission. Here's exactly where he stands.
Patrick Is Knocking on Doors - Real Answers From Real People
While politicians post from behind screens, Patrick is showing up at your door. Here's what he's hearing - and why it matters.
Read MoreKapenga Opposes PA 233: Defending Local Control Against State Overreach
Patrick Kapenga is opposing PA 233, warning that it allows Lansing to override local decisions on large-scale energy projects — and pledging to fight for community control in District 89.
Read MoreStanding Strong for the Second Amendment
Patrick Kapenga is committed to defending the Second Amendment and backing law enforcement with real action — not rhetoric. From training alongside local SWAT teams to supporting first responders in District 89, Patrick is ready to bring that same commitment to Lansing.
Read MoreKapenga: District 89 Priorities Must Lead the Conversation in Lansing
After attending the State of the State in Lansing, Patrick Kapenga emphasized that District 89 families are focused on economic strength, responsible spending, and local control — priorities he is committed to fighting for.
Read More