Graves, Losey Set for Rematch in 51st District State Representative Race

Last winter Republican to serve a partial term for Michigan's 51st District House of Representatives.

Graves came out on top, but Losey will get another chance this November.

With 35 of 35 precincts counted, , D-Linden, beat out challenger , D-Goodrich, in the primary election 2,122 (64.23) votes to 1,174 (35.53) and , R-Argentine Township, beat out , R-Holly Township 3,858 (80.86 percent) to 892 (18.70 percent).

The seat is for a two-year term that pays a salary of $79,650 a year.

"I am grateful for the support of everyone who went out and voted for me today," said Graves. "I remain committed to jobs and public safety and have a lot of work left to do as state representative on these issues. While today's victory feels great, I will continue knocking doors and talking to constituents about what issues are going on in our district leading up to November."

Losey was impressed with Starski, but pleased with the results.

"It's amazing to see young folks get involved in politics. My hat's off to him," Losey said.

"I still stand by what I've been saying, the middle class is under attack and I want to be the mouthpiece for them."

Graves won with 53.10 percent of the vote to Losey's 42.17 percent of the vote in February's Special election for the seat.

Both had previously talked to Fenton Patch about the hot topic issues in the area.

Losey said the extinction of the middle class is a big concern.

"I intend to make myself available to hear anyone and everyone that wants to be heard.  I intend to help the 51st be a driving force in the success of Genesee/Oakland counties and Michigan as a whole," he said.

Losey said he will try and get more people out to vote this fall.

"We need people to take part. It's sad when we see these low voter turnouts," Losey said.

Graves said fighting crime will be a focus area if he is re-elected.

"Our district is sandwiched between Pontiac and Flint which are high violent crime areas. We also suffer from an extremely high unemployment rate. All residents want to feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods and as elected officials we need to do all we can to provide them with this service," Graves said. "I also believe crime is a deterrent for job providers and we must change this trend and current climate and the stigma associated with our area."

The pair is ready for another duel in November.

"In my first six months in office I have fought for jobs and public safety and if re-elected, I will spend the next two years focused on jobs and public safety," Graves said.

"I see the 51st District as being a place where folks want to bring (or start) their family's to work, play and grow old together in," Losey said. "To accomplish that, we need to get folks to vote. They need to take an active roll in approaching our legislators, telling them what's important to them and holding those legislators accountable."

All results are unofficial and provided by the Genesee County Clerk's Office.