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Michigan: Gary Peters Prevails Over Hansen Clarke in Democratic Primary

(Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call File Photo)
(Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call File Photo)

Rep. Gary Peters easily defeated fellow Rep. Hansen Clarke in a Democratic primary created by the redrawing of Detroit-area districts.

Peters led Clarke in the 14th district, 47 percent to 35 percent, with 89 percent of precincts reporting. Peters, who came to Congress after winning a competitive race in a suburban Detroit district in 2008, will be the Motor City’s first white Congressman in several decades.

Republicans redrew the Congressional map last year in Michigan, which lost a House seat following reapportionment. They dismantled and reorganized the House districts around Detroit. The redraw paved the way for Peters and Clarke to run against each other.

This was the 5th Member-vs.-Member primary decided this cycle, and ultimately it was one of the least competitive. Peters outworked Clarke and secured key early endorsements, focusing especially on black churches in the majority-black district anchored by downtown Detroit. Peters, a prolific fundraiser, also raised almost three times as much as Clarke this cycle and heavily outspent him during the primary.

Peters, who will easily coast to re-election in this safe Democratic district in November, is viewed as a potential future statewide candidate.

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