Will Lawrence wins, most local millages are approved; election results
Progressives William Lawrence and Abdul El-Sayed both won primaries in some of the priciest races in the country. Here are the Lansing and East Lansing results.
Photo by Raymond Holt for City Pulse.
The results are considered unofficial until certification and the numbers used here are from state or county records at time of publication.
Michigan 7th
Will Lawrence has won the Democratic primary for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District. He will face U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett, a Charlotte Republican, in the November general election.
Lawrence, a Lansing activist and organizer, ended up with 43.7% of the vote against well-funded Democratic opponents Matt Maasdam, a former U.S. Navy SEAL who carried Obama’s briefcase and led security, and Bridget Brink, a former wartime U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine. Brink carried a slight edge with almost 29% of the vote.
“It’s an incredible honor to be the Democratic nominee for Congress in Michigan’s 7th District,” Lawrence said, in a post following the election. “This is proof of what real people-powered organizing can do. This is a victory we share with every volunteer, with our neighbors, families, and friends who showed up to knock doors, make calls, and have conversations in their communities. None of this is possible without you. Thank you, Michigan.”
Senate race
Abdul El-Sayed has won the Democratic primary for Michigan’s open Senate seat. He will be facing former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, who was unopposed in the primary. He won 49% of the vote.
“I want to congratulate Abdul El-Sayed on winning the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. He is a doctor, a community health official, a Rhodes Scholar, and a dedicated Michigander. I am proud to offer my support as he takes on Mike Rogers in the general election.
Mike Ellis/City Pulse
Governor
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson won the Democratic primary for governor, handily defeating Genesee Sheriff Chris Swanson with 82% of the vote, according to unofficial state results.
She will face U.S. Rep. John James, the winner of the Republican primary. James had 50% of the vote against challengers former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox and businessman Perry Johnson.
Lansing Proposal results
Potter Park Zoo
A millage to renew and restore the zoo was approved with 75% of the vote.
Trails and Parks
A millage to support Lansing trails and parks was approved with 74% of the vote.
Public transit for elderly and disabled
A millage to support public transit for the elderly and disabled was approved with 79% of the vote.
Hotel tax increase
A proposal to increase the city’s hotel tax from 5% to 8% – with money to support tourism, entertainment and the arts – was approved with 62% of the vote.
Sale of Lansing Shuffle
A proposal asking voters to authorize the sale of city property containing Lansing Shuffle failed wiht 53% of voters rejecting the idea.
East Lansing proposal results
Amend council terms
A proposal to change council terms so that elected council members assume office shortly after the certification of elections was approved with 91% of the vote.
Adjust timing of mayor and pro tem
A proposal to adjust the timing of the mayor and mayor pro tem was approved with 90% of the vote.
Residency for city manager
A proposal to change residency requirements for city manager was approved with 88% of the vote.
Capital Area District Library results
A proposal for a Capital Area District Library tax renewal was approved with 74% of the vote.
