“I think that is all part of what has gone on not only in Michigan but across the nation,” Byrum said of the Democrats’ victory. “It was a strong Democratic year.”

Current trustee and board chairperson Joel Ferguson said Romney’s
absence from the board will be apparent but the group will move on.

“We’re going miss one of the best trustees we ever had — Scott
Romney,” he said. “But we’ll all work hard together. Even though
people get elected the partisan way, we don’t function that way. We
will work together seamlessly and keep making our best years ahead of us.”

Byrum received 26 percent of the statewide vote and Woodard took 25
percent. Romney had about 22 percent of the vote, while fellow
Republican candidate Lisa Bouchard gathered 21 percent.

Romney declined an interview request from The State News and Bouchard could not be reached for comment.

Trustee Melanie Foster, who campaigned for Bouchard, said the
Republican defeat was unfortunate.

“This race is often decided by the top ticket and two very qualified individuals lost,” she said. “I hope that the two individuals that are going to be joining the board put partisan politics aside and work diligently and collaboratively for the good of the institution.”

The trustee race featured nine candidates including the four
Republicans and Democrats. Democratic candidates also swept board openings on the University of Michigan Board of Regents and the Wayne State University Board of Governors taking to positions at each institution.