Cody and Knight to Compete for 2nd Ward Seat
Voters in Grand Rapids will elect a representative for the city's 2nd Ward on November 3.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in City Hall
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Bryan Cody and incumbent Lisa Knight are campaigning for the 2nd Ward seat on the Grand Rapids City Commission. The election for this local position is scheduled for Nov. 3.
Why it matters
The outcome will determine representation for the northeast side of the city for the next four years. Commissioner Knight is currently seeking re-election to a second term, while challenger Cody is vying for his first term in office.
City commissioners in Grand Rapids serve four-year terms, with positions being strictly nonpartisan. The winner will join Commissioner Milinda Ysasi to represent the 2nd Ward.
The players
Lisa Knight
She is the incumbent commissioner for the 2nd Ward and serves as the executive director of the Girls Choral Academy.
Bryan Cody
He is a 32-year-old real estate broker and small business owner seeking his first term on the city commission.
Milinda Ysasi
She is a sitting city commissioner who currently represents the 2nd Ward alongside the seat up for election.
The details
Candidates submitted responses to a local voter guide detailing their platforms for the northeast side district. Voters will head to the polls to decide between the incumbent Knight, who leads the Girls Choral Academy, and Cody, a local real estate broker and business owner.
Timeline
Knight was first elected to the city commission in 2022.
The election for the 2nd Ward city commission seat takes place on Nov. 3, 2026.
The current term for Commissioner Milinda Ysasi expires in 2028.
Political Context
Opponents of the incumbent have raised concerns regarding the current representation of the 2nd Ward's northeast side. Critics argue that a fresh perspective is necessary to address local growth and infrastructure needs in the district.
Residents of the 2nd Ward will see a change or continuation in their local legislative representation based on the results of the Nov. 3 election. The winner will participate in setting city policy and municipal budgets for the next four-year cycle.
The takeaway
Voters should review the official voter guide to understand the specific policy differences between the two candidates. Participating in this local election is the primary way residents influence the development of the city's northeast neighborhoods.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming local elections, visit the City Hall section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mlive.
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