Michigan’s Natural Resources Win Big in State House Primary Elections
ANN ARBOR — The Michigan League of Conservation Voters (LCV) is celebrating the results of the August 2016 primary this evening, as 19 of their 22 endorsed candidates were victorious and will head to the general election on Nov. 8. Michigan LCV is the leading non-partisan political voice for Michigan’s land, air and water, and endorses candidates for office who will make the protection of our natural resources a priority in the state Legislature.
“The health of our communities and environment needs to be a priority in Lansing. We are thrilled that coming off of today’s victories, Michigan is one step closer to a pro-conservation Legislature,” said Lisa Wozniak, Executive Director of Michigan LCV. “Coming off a year where our state’s clean air and water have been under heightened scrutiny, tonight’s results show that Michiganders want leaders who will take action to tackle the big threats facing the natural resources we all depend on.”
MLCV board member Abdullah Hammoud won the 15th House District Democratic primary, while the following endorsed candidates secured their party’s nomination for the November general election as well: Brian Banks (D-1), Stephanie Chang (D-6), LaTanya Garrett (D-7), Leslie Love (D-10), Erika Geiss (D-12), Frank Liberati (D-13), Kevin Hertel (D-18), John Chirkun (D-22), Henry Yanez (D-25), William Sowerby (D-31), Martin Howrylak (R-41), Yousef Rabhi (D-53), Tom Cochran (D-67), Andy Schor (D-68), Mary Whiteford (R-80), Scott VanSingel (R-100), Larry Inman (R-104) and John Kivela (D-109).
“Voters have shown that they want leaders in Lansing who understand that protecting our communities and our natural resources requires elected officials with knowledge of and commitment to these issues,” said Jack Schmitt, Deputy Director of Michigan LCV. “Michigan LCV looks forward to working with these and other rising leaders in 2017 to advance policies that protect our state’s natural resources. But from now until Nov. 8, we will continue to fight to build a conservation majority in the Michigan House of Representatives that can create the environmental policies that our state needs and deserves.”