Grand Rapids First Ward commissioner won’t seek reelection in 2026

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A new face is guaranteed on the Grand Rapids City Commission in 2027, after a commissioner has decided not to seek reelection next year.

Commissioner Drew Robbins, who represents the city’s First Ward, announced Monday, Dec. 8, that he won’t run for another term on the board when his term expires Dec. 31, 2026.

Robbins was elected to the commission in 2022. He did not provide a reason for his decision in a letter posted to his Facebook page , but said it was a result of long consideration and prayer.

“Serving our community has been the honor of a lifetime,” he wrote. “Since my onset, my focus has been on pragmatic leadership rooted in consensus, compassion, accountability, fiscal responsibility, governmental excellence, real results, and respect for all taxpayers.”