HOLLAND, MI (WHTC) - During Saturday's annual convention, Ottawa County Democrats selected Doug Zylstra as their new chairman for a two-year term. The owner of a clothing company in the Tulip City replaces Elizabeth Olzewski, who decided to step down after six years at the helm. Joining Zylstra in local party leadership are First Vice Chairwoman Lisa Brown of Holland, Second Vice Chairman Don Munski of Spring Lake, Treasurer Bob Bird and Recording Secretary Coley Brown.

Party officials expressed optimism of claiming more local elected seats in future elections after incumbent Republican Don Disselkoen rallied to beat Democratic challenger Clay Stauffer in the third county commission district on November 6, along with the best showing by a Democratic challenger to Congressman Fred Upton by Douglas' Mike O'Brien, citing changing demographics towards groups that traditionally vote Democratic.