Damoose and Conley win primary races for 37th State Senate

Republican candidate John Damoose and Democratic candidate Barb Conley won their respective party's nomination for the 37th State Senate seat in the primary election on Aug. 2.

In a crowded field that included three other Republican contenders, Damoose won by 41.2 percent with a total of 18, 243 votes. 

Conley ran against two other candidates and won by 86.4 percent with 25,411 total votes.

Overall, there were 29,417 votes cast for candidates in the district's Democratic primary race on Aug. 2 and 44,276 votes in the Republican party's primary race for the seat, as reported by the Associated Press.

After their victories, both of the winning candidates thanked their supporters and commented on the future's possibilities. 

"I am humbled and honored that Democrats in SD 37 have chosen me in the primary," wrote Conley in an email to the Charlevoix Courier. "Many thanks to our many supporters and volunteers who made this possible. I look forward to meeting many more voters and to winning the general election and working for a secure future for the citizens of the 37th Senate District."

Damoose wrote to the Courier regarding his win saying, "My family and I are so thankful to all of those who poured their time and resources to help this campaign. I truly believe this primary victory is an indication that people are ready to come together to solve our toughest challenges and that they are tired of constant division. We have so many opportunities before us as a region, and that hopefulness, combined with sound principles and hard work is what I intend to bring to the State Senate in November."

Since 2014, the 37th district has been represented by Republican Wayne Schmidt who, due to term limits, is unable to run for reelection.

As a result of redistricting, Michigan officials last year redrew legislative districts for the state House and Senate and U.S. Congress. The 37th State Senate area now includes  the northernmost parts of the Lower Peninsula and the eastern end of the Upper Peninsula, and all or parts of Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Emmet, Grand Traverse and Mackinac counties.

On the Republican ticket, Triston Cole came in second with 30.5 percent and 13,508 total votes, George Ranville received 16.5 percent ( 7,289 votes) and William Hindle 11.8 percent (5,236 votes).

The Democratic party competitors were Jim Schmidt who came in second with 7.8 percent (2,304 total votes) and Randy Bishop with 5.8 percent (1,702 votes).

Damoose is a small business owner living in Harbor Springs and currently serving as the state representative for the 107th District. 

Conley is a retired oncologist living in Northport in Leelanau County. 

The two candidates will face off in November's general election. 

More:Q&A with the candidates for the 37th State Senate race

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Contact reporter Annie Doyle at adoyle@charlevoixcourier.com