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Kalamazoo-area general election results 2026

Published November 3, 2026 at 8:19 PM EST
A photo peeking into the Fetzer Center polling room. Signs on the door instruct voters that phone calls or recordings are prohibited.
Amelia Wood
/
WMUK
A polling place at Western Michigan University's Fetzer Center, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026

Reporting on Kalamazoo-area election results during the November 3, 2026 general election.

Rematch in Michigan's 44th state House District

Posted November 3, 2026 at 9:41 PM EST
Democratic candidate for Michigan's 44th state House District Jim Haadsma (left) and Republican Representative of Michigan's 44th state House District Steve Frisbie (right).
Michael Symonds/ Anna Spidel
/
WMUK
Democratic candidate for Michigan's 44th state House District Jim Haadsma (left) and Republican Representative of Michigan's 44th state House District Steve Frisbie (right).

After losing by just 79 votes in 2024, Democrat Jim Haadsma is once again facing Republican Steve Frisbie in the race to represent Michigan's 44th state House District.

That's one of the races we're watching tonight.

Haadsma, who previously represented the district until his loss two years ago, says he isn't planning for another close race. Rather, he says his strategy is to win by a lot, leaving no room for questions.

However, Frisbie expects the race to be close yet again.

But both agree that voters will be casting their ballots with cost-of-living in mind.

While accompanying Haadsma as he spoke with residents in Battle Creek, voters said while cost-of-living is a major issue, data center construction, access to education and abortion rights are also top-of-mind.

Some voters who spoke with WMUK also said they didn't trust Republicans to address these issues. They also stated that President Donald Trump's handling of the economy, the Iran War, his immigration crackdown and other important issues soured them on the Republican Party.

Republican Representative Steve Frisbie declined to be interviewed while he spoke with voters this year, citing a busy schedule.

Polls close in most of Michigan

Posted November 3, 2026 at 8:31 PM EST
 A photo of the various available voting sticker at the Wesley Center
Amelia Wood
/
WMUK

The polls have closed in all but three counties in Michigan. Strong turnout has been reported throughout the state, and there long lines at some precincts. Anyone in line at 8:00 can cast a ballot.