State Rep. Betsy Coffia edged out Republican nominee Lisa Trombley by a 53% to 47% margin Tuesday, earning her a second term representing Leelanau and parts of Grand Traverse and Benzie counties.
Leelanau County’s vote percentages were nearly identical that of the 103rd overall. Coffia garnered 8,144 votes; Trombley, 6,667.
“My team and I were up late into the wee hours and I will have more clarity and more to say once I have been able to rest,” Coffia said in a Facebook post Wednesday morning.“But know this… It is and will continue to be the honor of my life that the people of the 103rd District entrusted me with your vote in this election.”
“I know it was the countless hours of work and love and dedication from so many people who made this win possible, and that this win is theirs as much as my own. We’ve showed up for each other as neighbors with love and care and commitment and whatever else I may not know today, that I know is beautiful, precious and the way forward.”
Coffia, a lifelong northern Michigander, had strong support in Grand Traverse County where she once served as a county commissioner.
Her opponent, Lisa Trombley, who recently retired to Traverse City after a career in northern Virginia, had a hard time gaining support.
“The election results mark a course correction for both the nation and state of Michigan,” Trombley said. “While the race for the 103 wasn’t one of the seats that flipped, I’m hopeful for the future of Michigan.
“With both parties now represented in Lansing, I’m looking forward to the administration addressing the state’s issues in a positive, non-partisan manner, “ Trombley said in response to the election results. “Specifically, before the end of the year I hope they’ll move quickly to address the tip credit that will harm Michigan’s businesses and constituents.”
At the national level, Congressman Jack Bergman was reelected representative of the First Congressional District which consists of the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula.
Bergman topped Democratic nominee Callie Barr by a 58.9/38% margin. Voters in Leelanau supported Barr with 8,106 votes to just over 6,500 for Bergman.
Republicans may have also came away with the U.S. Senate seat which has been held for decades by Senator Debbie Stabenow.
As of presstime it was still too close to tell in the race between Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Melissa Slotkin. According to the Michigan Secretary of State website, Stotkin garnered 2,675,756 to 2,666,343 for Roberts.
Locally, Slotkin voters came out big with 8,106 to 6,502 for Rogers.
