Steve Pestka

Steven Pestka (born October 5, 1951) is an American politician, attorney and businessman. Pestka served as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives, judge, and a Kent County commissioner. He was the Democratic Party nominee for the United States House of Representatives 2012 election to represent Michigan's 3rd congressional district, which he lost to Justin Amash.

Early life and education Pestka's father, Henry, survived the Holocaust. After World War II, Henry relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he started a real estate business.

Jennifer Granholm, the Governor of Michigan, appointed Pestka to the Family Court in the Kent County Circuit Court in 2003. He was elected to a six-year term in 2004. However, he resigned as judge in 2009 to help run his father's real estate business.

Pestka ran for the Democratic Party nomination for the United States House of Representatives election to represent Michigan's 3rd congressional district. He lost to Republican (subsequently Independent and then Libertarian) Justin Amash.

Personal Pestka and his wife, Alicia, have one son. They reside in Ada, Michigan.