KENT COUNTY, Mich. — Kent County was once a pinnacle of Republican prowess in West Michigan, encapsulating the city of Grand Rapids where former President Gerald R. Ford was raised.
But, through recent elections, results have gotten tighter and many have begun to see it as a battleground.
With a unique combination of both the second largest city in this key swing state, along with large swaths of suburbia and more rural areas on the outer geographical layers of the county, it's a county that, unlike many others, carries a mix of a number of key constituencies major campaigns have sought to attract.
Even amidst the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, it was a perceived importance of note.
"I can't possibly overstate the importance of which West Michigan coming out to vote," Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said.
It's an area that's also seen multiple recent high-profile visits from the GOP.
"We love Kent County, and we think that it's going to be an important part of the election," Ohio Senator and GOP vice presidential pick J.D. Vance said a recent rally in Byron Center.
With more modern voting trends and President Biden being only the second Democratic presidential nominee to carry the county in the 21st century, the battleground reputation is starting to stick.
"I would put the electorate in the state of Michigan into three pots," Calvin University professor Doug Koopman told 13 ON YOUR SIDE last week. "[One is] sort of loyal Trump voters, mostly in rural areas and small towns, outside of Detroit metro, outside of Grand Rapids metro."
"Another set of electorate is really in the in the cities - Detroit area, Flint, part of Grand Rapids, Muskegon, etc., which is really a base constituency for the Harris campaign," he said.
The third, Koopman believes, are what he called a "cross-pressured" group.
"Maybe they used to be moderate Republicans or more moderate Democrats," Koopman said. "A lot of those folks are in Grand Rapids, and in the Grand Rapids area. They're more moderate for a few reasons. They're old-time Gerry Ford Republicans, or they used to be pro-life Democrats. And so, there's a lot of independent voters as well who would be close by [to Grand Rapids]."
While the constant spotlight may make voters weary, Koopman said he hopes people will appreciate it.
"Honestly, West Michigan is starting to feel like Iowa before the caucuses," Koopman said. "'Oh no, here's another candidate. Can you please get out of my way? You're always here.' And I would hope that Grand Rapids and West Michigan would just appreciate that."
"It can be annoying," he continued. "But it's an important part of the state, and honestly, it's an important part of the country. And so, to some extent, it's a privilege to be bugged by these candidates because we are a pivotal place, you know, a swing place for the presidential election."