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Republican Dave Prestin will succeed State Senator Ed McBroom, winning Tuesday's election for Michigan's 38th State Senate district against Kelly Van Ginhoven (D) and Sara Cambensy (I).
"I am deeply grateful for the people of the Upper Peninsula for their trust in electing me as their next State Senator," said Prestin in a statement released early Wednesday morning. "When Kathie, Mattie and I started this journey we made a simple commitment: stay grounded in our faith, work hard, and stay focused on the issues that matter most to our Upper Peninsula communities. That commitment guided us every step of the way, and I will carry that commitment into the state Senate.
"I want to thank my family, our campaign team, the volunteers, and every supporter who helped us build this campaign. Building a campaign that spreads across all 15 U.P. counties was never going to be an easy task, but you all stepped up to the challenge. This victory belongs to all of you.
"To my opponents, Kelli VanGinhoven and Sara Cambensy, thank you for putting yourself out there. Running for office is never easy and I respect your willingness to serve.
"The work ahead is serious. I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and fight every day for the families, workers, and businesses that make the Upper Peninsula special.
"Thank you, and God bless!"
Kelly Van Ginhoven, who was the Democratic nominee running against Prestin, made a statement Wednesday morning, saying that "This morning my heart is full of gratitude, even though this isn't the outcome we had worked so hard for.
"To everyone who knocked on doors, donated, put up signs, shared a post or simply believed in me -- thank you. You gave this campaign its heart.
"I am proud of what we built together. I ran because I believe the people of the Upper Peninsula deserved a candidate who couldn't be bought. We ran a People over Profits campaign and we never once wavered.
"I may not have won this election, but I will never regret taking this journey or standing up for what I believe in. Our people, land, air and water are worth fighting for and I will always believe in the power of ordinary people to make extraordinary change. Together, we continue forward.
"From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in me. It has been an honor to know you. Congratulations to Senator-Elect Prestin. Dave ran a good race and I truly wish he and his family the best."
Opponent Sara Cambensy, who ran as an independent candidate, also made a statement Wednesday morning, saying that "Even with strong name recognition and early interest in an Independent candidate entering the senate race in March, the last two months became a civil war between the two parties with voters firmly picking a side. The voter referendum against Trump from the left was undeniable. The fear on the right drove moderates back. These are unprecedented times.
"Congratulations to Senator-elect Dave Prestin on his win tonight. I want to thank him for running a clean race without attacks, without smear campaigns, and for sticking to the issues. That's true statesmanship."
Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.