With the primary victory in hand, incumbent Lansing Mayor Tony Benavides and Sen. Virg Bernero, D-Lansing, are strategizing for the November election, while their fellow candidates are looking to the future after their loss.
A glitch in new voter technology delayed ballot results and numbers were in early Wednesday. Bernero received about 46 percent, or 6,042 votes, and Benavides received about 26 percent, or 3,519 votes. Former Michigan Children's Ombudsman Lynne Martinez and city maintenance worker Dale Abronowitz received about 19 percent and 9 percent, respectively.
As Benavides awaited the results Tuesday night, he was confident about what would happen.
"It will be tight but I bet I'll have a good night," he said.
After all the results from each precinct were reported and he placed among the top two candidates, the incumbent's predictions were accurate.
Benavides and Bernero will continue on to the general election on Nov. 8.
When Bernero declared victory in the race late Tuesday, he addressed a room full of supporters, with an emphasis on boosting the economy and improving the city.
"We came out of the primary with a great deal of momentum," he said. "Big dreams mean big expectations."
Now that the primary election is over, Bernero said he is going to work on gaining votes that weren't cast for him.
Benavides is also contemplating the next election.
"We are looking forward to the future," he said. "I feel good."
Benavides said he will continue to run the same campaign as in the past, while making various changes.
Throughout Tuesday evening, Martinez constantly thanked those who came to her campaign headquarters, 1454 E. Michigan Ave. in Lansing, to support her.
"This was an incredible campaign against incredible odds," she said. "Polling indicates at this point that in the last two weeks, we've made incredible gains."
When asked what she plans to do for the future, Martinez said she wants to continue conversing with the public about important issues.
"I plan to be a part of the public discourse with all of the wonderful people," she said. "The government should be for the people and by the people."
Meanwhile, down the street at Gone Wired Cafe, 2021 E. Michigan Ave. in Lansing, about 15 family members and friends gathered to support Abronowitz, who beat initial projections about his results.
He said he considered his run a victory because he taught Lansing voters a valuable lesson.
"You don't have to play the game by the rules to accomplish what your goals are," he said, referring to his grassroots campaign where he didn't send out fliers or knock on doors.
Early Tuesday evening, Bernero offered Abronowitz a position as liaison to current city employees if Bernero becomes mayor in November. Despite his new fame as an unorthodox candidate, Abronowitz plans to remain a city maintenance worker.
"At least I'm not looking for a job," he joked.
