Joseph McClusky is a 28-year-old Democrat who launched a campaign in August to run for State Representative of the 86th District (the greater Holland area). He grew up in Burton, a suburb of Flint. Upon graduating from Hope College in 2018, he decided to take up residence. What does it take  for someone not from here to understand the fabric of Holland, a city started on the backs of Dutch immigrants? How important is that understanding when it comes to representing the people of the community?

Since leaving Hope College, the longest McClusky has held a job is a year and three months, according to LinkedIn. With that kind of brevity, it seems it would be difficult to get a sense of his work ethic. What is his staying power? His track record?

His longest stint of employment was as Deputy Campaign Manager in Bryan Berghoef’s run for Congress.  Berghoef is the pastor of Holland United Church of Christ. Like McClusky, Berghoef grew up as a conservative and a Republican. After going through the education systems of U of M and Calvin Theological Seminary and then pastoring churches in Traverse City, Washington D.C. and Holland, he—like McClusky—crossed over to the Democratic Party.

McClusky also worked on the campaign of Larry Jackson. Jackson’s campaign was pro-abortion, with Jackson writing he was “devastated by the overturn of Roe v Wade.” The campaign was also pro-LGTBQIA+, with Jackson attending pride festivals and posting his support for those believing they are “transgender and gender non-binary.” Jackson was endorsed by Berghoef, McClusky’s previous employer.

After his work for Jackson, McClusky wrote grants for the Holland Museum as a Development and Communications Associate Director. During his brief 11 months of employment, the events and exhibits that occurred included the museum receiving a social justice award, the Cultural Lens Program which furthered the museum’s DEI mission, the History of Drag lecture, and the June display of the pride flag.

Moving on from the museum, McClusky had a brief employment with the Michigan House Democratic Fund before landing what appears to be his current role as Research Aide with Great Lakes Political Academy (GLPA). GLPA recruits and educates candidates who “live in Michigan and share progressive values.” McClusky graduated from the 12-week program in 2021, and then six months ago joined as staff.

In addition to teaching students strategy, finance, and communication there are also social events. Last week was “bingo with a twist—featuring fabulous drag performances, lively games, and nonstop laughter.” Invited to the drag show were alumni, candidates, and friends of the organization. Sponsors of the event included Planned Parenthood, Michigan Donor Alliance, Gretchen Whitmer Fight like Hell PAC, Reproductive Freedom for All, Progress Michigan, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights, Michigan AFL-CIO, Detroit Action, and Michigan House Democrats, Equality Michigan, MI List, and Vote Run Lead Action.

Gary Schlack, a Detroit-area State Representative candidate, attended the drag show and posted: “I had the opportunity to… connect with inspiring candidates like Ned Zimmer, Anthony Pennock, Shadia Martini, and Joseph McClusky.”

Additionally, GLPA does not differentiate between biological women and those calling themselves women, as depicted on a posting for a GLPA training, “Women Leading Michigan,”

McClusky’s appearance of being immersed in the gender identity culture leads one to question his stance on other issues referring to gender. Where does McClusky stand on the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act which Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed in 2023 to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, expression, etc. This Act conflicts with the current and also the original version of Title IX which prohibits discrimination based on sex—originally intended to give women equal opportunity.  The Elliott-Larsen Act has been pointed to when trying to give legality to allowing boys in girls bathrooms and vice versa, boys playing on girls’ sports teams and vice versa, and more.

Also of note regarding GLPA, the application for those looking to go through the 12-week program requires the candidate to list preferred pronouns. Does that requirement carry over onto other social media? On LinkedIn, McClusky lists “He/Him” after his name. What else from the program, his education, and his work experiences is carrying over?

McClusky’s campaign website does not appear to define his platform or give any indication of where he stands on issues. Other than expressing his disapproval of the elimination of the  Michigan Arts and Culture Council from the state budget and asking to keep same sex marriage legal, it seems he has yet to offer opinions on issues. And so far, the only factor he appears to be suggesting as a strength is his age, saying the District needs “a new generation of leadership.”

With little track record other than the jobs he has held (which he believes have allowed him to “enhance the lives of others and strengthen the communities”) and without a West Michigan upbringing, it seems difficult to understand McClusky’s work ethic and how he will back the promises of what he hopes to accomplish. And is knowing that important?

What are the characteristics most representative of today’s greater Holland area? Is McClusky the candidate who will best represent the majority of residents? If so, has the criteria become more about finding someone most likely to wave a pride flag and support drag shows and less about whether a candidate understands and aligns with the community’s foundation, values, and governing principles?