Harris, Douglas win 43rd District election

Harris, Douglas win 43rd District election

BY MATT MACKINDER
Clarkston News Editor

During the 43rd District’s special election primary on March 1 to fill the partial term of the late Andrea Schroeder’s seat in the Michigan State Legislature, Republican Mike Harris defeated Heidi Warrington and Linda Ybarra-Bozzone, and Democrat Kent Douglas ran unopposed to win that party’s nomination.
Schroeder passed away October 1, 2021 after a battle with stomach cancer at the age of 57.
Harris received 49 percent of the vote, while Warrington had 31.1 percent, and Ybarra-Bozzone 4.7 percent.
“The outpouring of support and encouragement has been incredible,” Harris said. “I have met some fantastic, passionate people in our community along the way and I am eager to carry our passion to Lansing. I am honored to be the Republican candidate going into the May election, but know I am here to represent the entire district.”
A special election to fill four vacant seats in the Michigan House of Representatives will take place on May 3, 2022. The 43rd District election was one of four held across the state.
“Getting 4,560 votes in the special primary election gives me more confidence, knowing that the community supports my campaign,” Douglas said. “It means even more to me to know I garnered their votes with limited social media and press coverage and good old-fashioned door knocking.
“My emotions were something of a roller coaster, but now I’m quite eager and excited to take on the next phase of my campaign. Watch for endorsement news and event announcements in the coming days.”
Harris said that in the days leading up to March 1, he was focused on “putting in the work.”
“The positive feedback from knocking on doors, making calls, and attending events all pushed me to work harder,” said Harris. “The day of the election became more emotional when my wife and I were able to go to the polls with my 18-year-old son. I was elated his first time voting was for his own father. Proud dad moment.”
And while Douglas said, “I have no comment” when asked if he had anything to say to Harris, Warrington, and Ybarra-Bozzone, Harris said he “admires anyone that decides to put themselves out there to represent the people.”
“Our representative form of government only works when its citizens step up to the plate to make a difference,” said Harris. “Integrity, honesty, and how you treat people shows through to the public. I applaud all of the candidates and look forward to the next step of the process.”
Going forward and looking at the May 3 election, both Douglas and Harris are prepared to make a difference and keep their momentum going.
“I think the fact that we managed to do so well in spite of such limited time to campaign shows that there is a strong need for change in our district,” Douglas said. “I plan to gather more support to continue and build on our message that House District 43 deserves representation in Lansing that puts communities first. I think it would do best to honor the memory of the previous representative of this district than by continuing her good work and ability to put people first. It’s time to turn my campaign up to 11. My team and I will further expand our reach all over the district. Signs, mailers, canvassing, events, fundraisers, coffee with the candidates – any and all are on the table.
“It’s time to move past partisan politics; they impede real progress. I intend to run a clean campaign, focused on local issues, with a positive, can-do attitude. The people of this district deserve nothing less.”
Harris is equally elated.
“Our amazing team paused to catch our breath, but we are back at it,” Harris said. “The best way to carry that momentum is to never stop putting in the work. Our plans now until May are to keep the fire going. We have a short time until the general election, so our focus remains the same.”
The 43rd District includes Waterford Township, Lake Angelus, Clarkston, and Independence Township.

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