By K.D. Norris
The City of Wyoming will again be represented by Republican State Rep. Tommy Brann in the 77th district after voting Tuesday, Nov. 3. In the 72nd district race, which includes Kentwood and Gaines Township, incumbent Republican Rep. Steve Johnson defeated Democrat Lily Cheng-Schulting — despite the challenger gaining more Kent County votes than Johnson.
Also in unofficial (uncertified) results, two-term incumbent Rep. Brann of Wyoming, defeated Democratic challenger Bob Smith of Byron Center, 29,911 to 19,784. The 77th District House of Representatives seat covers the City of Wyoming, Byron Township and a portion of Cutlerville.
“I want to thank the 77th district,” Rep. Brann said to WKTV on Nov. 4. Rep. Brann’s wife “Sue and I care about your concerns and you personally. We will continue to give back half of my legislative salary to people in my district in need.
“Bob Smith was very classy and called me this morning to congratulate me. I asked him sometime if I can buy him lunch at my restaurant so I can get to know him better. I am the 77th district representative and I know my oath to protect the health and safety of Michigan citizens is for all my district and I carry that part of my oath in my wallet and that is for all of you whether you voted for me or not. I take that very seriously, as I should.”
After the result were in, Smith said to WKTV: “Thank you to everyone who voted me and to everyone who helped me along the way. We made a good run. I wish the best of luck to Tommy Brann as he begins his final term in the state house.”
In Michigan, state representatives are term-limited to three terms.
Allegan voters carry Rep. Johnson to re-election
Overall, in both Kent and Allegan county unofficial results posted on each county’s election website, Rep. Johnson totaled 29,608 votes while Cheng-Schulting totaled 24,159.
However, in unofficial (uncertified) Kent County results, two-term incumbent Rep. Johnson of Wayland, trailed Cheng-Schulting of Kentwood, 20,271 to 20,973. The 72nd District House of Representative seat covers the cities of Kentwood and Wayland, along with a portion of Cutlerville and the community of Dorr.
“Although we were not able to win this election, we are grateful for the record number of votes for our campaign, especially in Kentwood,” Cheng-Schulting said to WKTV. “I would also like to congratulate Steve Johnson on his re-election win. I … hope that he will go on to be a representative who truly looks out for everyone in District 72.”
