The Democrats will retain their majority hold on the Leelanau County Board of Commissioners for another four years, according to the unofficial election results on leelanau.gov. All seven commissioner seats were contested in this year’s election, and six of them went to the Democrat candidates.
The most populated district is District No. 1, which includes Elmwood Township and a portion of the City of Traverse City. Former Commissioner Rick Robbins switched his allegiances and ran as a Democrat this election cycle, while the county Republican Party chose newcomer Tim McCalley as their candidate.
Robbins defeated McCalley with 1,126 votes over 935 votes by a 16% margin.
“I’m grateful to be back in the seat again for District 1 and representing them. I’m more excited about the board that’s been elected. I see a board that’s going to listen to the public and be the voice of reason and make decisions on what’s best for Leelanau County. For Tim, I know what it’s like, and I wish him the best,” Robbins said.
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported me during this campaign season,” McCalley said while acknowledge his wife, Tina, and other supporters. “Congratulations to Rick Robbins on his victory. I am confi dent that his professionalism and knowledge will serve our community well.”
Some of the races were even closer. Scott Perry, the Democrat candidate for District no. 2 commissioner, narrowly defeated his Republican opponent Mark Walter by just 11 votes, according to the unofficial election results Wednesday morning. Perry will replace sitting Commissioner Jim O’Rourke, a Republican, in January.
“The first person I want to thank is Sam Getsinger,” Perry said. “I’m really proud of the way we flipped this district. I want to thank my brother, Ivan Perry, for helping me along with the way; my mom and dad; and my wife, Hannah (and) I’m excited to work with the people and take some steps forward for the community.”
These results still need to be certified by the county Board of Canvassers, which starts convening at 8:55 a.m. today. When asked if he plans to appeal the results because of the closely fought race, Walter said he sees no need for a recount because he’s observed and trusts the election process.
“Best of luck to Steve. I’m sure he’ll do a good job, because he cares about the community as much as I do,” Walter said.
District no. 3, which includes Suttons Bay and Bingham townships, chose Democrat Lois Bahle over Republican Will Bunek, with 1,114 votes for Bahle and 973 votes for Bunek. Bahle previously defeated Bunek partway through his last term as county commissioner in a 2021 recall election, but she said that she’s excited to start her next term in office from the beginning.
“I had contributions from supporters all over Leelanau County in small checks and I was so pleased with that,” Bahle said. “I think we have a good group of people with diverse knowledge and who can all contribute in their own ways.”
“I already sent a message to Lois this morning wishing her the best,” Bunek said. “I appreciate all the people who supported me. I’m very lucky for that.”
The most lopsided victory went to incumbent District no. 4 Commissioner Ty Wessell, who defeated his Republican challenger Jim White with 1,305 votes – nearly 67% of all 1,953 votes in his district – compared to just 638 votes for White. District no. 4 includes Leelanau Township and a portion of Suttons Bay Township.
“I appreciate the support from the residents of Leelanau and Suttons Bay townships, but it’s not time to gloat; a third of my people voted for my opponent, so we need to make sure that we work together. The negative campaign (of my opponent) didn’t work, so I think the residents of this county want to see moderation and commissioners working across the aisle,” Wessell said.
“While tonight didn’t bring the outcome we’d hoped for, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible support shown by so many,” White said in a prepared statement. “I’m especially thankful to the Leelanau County Patriots, my Bible study group, and every volunteer … I congratulate Ty Wessell on his win and wish him success in serving our county.”
Sitting District No. 5 Commissioner Kama Ross had a closer run against Republican candidate Alan Campbell, but when the unofficial results were last updated at 4 a.m. Wednesday, she was ahead by 60 votes. She received 1,097 votes in total.
“I would like to congratulate Kama Ross for winning the commissioner seat for District 5. She is a hard worker who supports Leelanau County,” Campbell said. “It’s very disappointing to work so hard yet to lose by a handful of votes during consecutive election cycles, but that’s how democracy works.”
Campbell fell to Ross by 38 votes in November 2022, 1,173 to 1,135.
Commissioner Gwenne Allgaier won District No. 6 as well, so all the Democrat commissioners elected in 2022 were reelected this year apart from Jamie Kramer, who resigned in July and did not run again. Allgaier defeated Republican candidate Mark Roberts with 1,470 votes to 999 votes, a 30% margin.
“I’m grateful,” Allgaier said. “I’m honored that the people are trusting us, and we’ll do our best. I would like to thank all the people who helped out with my popup events, like Kathy Wiejasczka, who was with me every week, and David Hendricks.”
The only district that the Leelanau County Republican Party won was District No. 7, where Solon Township Trustee Steve Yoder defeated Democrat candidate Tim Dowd by a margin of almost 30%. Yoder received 1,121 votes and Dowd received 791 votes.
“It was a resounding win,” Yoder said. “I think it shows the type of message that people want — they want somebody who is willing to listen and take a reasonable approach. I want to thank the voters for putting their trust in me for the next four years and I’m very honored to do so … Hard work pays off.”
“I hope that the new board has the vision to guide the government to protect the resources of the community,” Dowd said. “I am happy with the victory of the other Democratic candidates, who will continue to work on the issues facing our county.”
