MICHIGAN, USA — The Associated Press has projected Hillary Scholten as the winner in Michigan's 3rd Congressional District, defeating Republican opponent John Gibbs.
Gibbs ousted current U.S. Representative Peter Meijer in the August primary election but ultimately fell short in the general election race against his Democratic opponent.
Scholten is not only the first female member of Congress set to represent the Grand Rapids area, but will also be the first Democrat to representing District 3 since Howard Wolpe, who served from 1979 to 1993.
Scholten spoke with members of the media Tuesday night as votes were moving in her favor. The West Michigan-native said she believes it was her message of inclusivity that resonated to voters.
"For folks who are looking for something new, politics has become so divisive and so tiring, and we hear from people all the time that they're attracted to our fresh new approach to politics," Scholten said. "My deep connections in the district are absolutely what's going to carry the day to being a fourth-generation West Michigander and raising my kids here, myself is just so critical – I know that folks were really attracted to that, and wanted to be a part of our campaign."
Michigan's 3rd Congressional District was redrawn ahead of the 2022 election to make it more competitive.
"I think we've seen that this new district is one that has consistently gone democratic," Scholten said. "I think we've seen we're really able to coalesce that democratic support around me and also pull over Republicans and independents who wanted to be a part of our movement."
For more election results, click here.
Due to expanded absentee voting, election officials say you shouldn't expect all results to be available on election night.
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