Midland’s Mary Draves concedes as AP calls Republican primary for Junge

Mid-Michigan voters head to the polls for 2024 primary election

Signs direct voters where to go at the Bay County Community Center, 800 John F. Kennedy Drive in Bay City, Mich., during the primary election on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024.Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com

MIDLAND, MI – Mary Draves, one of three Republican candidates running in the Aug. 6 primary election for the chance to appear on the November General Election ballot for the 8th Congressional District seat, has conceded.

Draves’ campaign announced at midnight on Wednesday, Aug. 7.

The Associated Press called the race in favor of Paul Junge at 11:29 p.m.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who supported our campaign,” Draves wrote in a statement. “From those who volunteered countless hours, to those who contributed financially, and to every single person who lent their voice to our cause—thank you.

“I am extremely proud of this campaign. We have built a powerful movement in a very short time and I am honored to have garnered so much support from every corner of this district.”

At the time of her announcement, Draves had tallied 3,832 votes – or just over 17 percent – in her respective race. Junge, who will face either Kristen McDonald-Rivet, Pamela Pugh or Matt Collier in November, had amassed nearly 16,000 votes. The third republican candidate, Anthony Hudson, had more than 2,300 votes.

Votes in Saginaw have not been tallied as of midnight and are not expected to be until around 2 a.m., Saginaw Cunty Clerk Vanessa Guerra said.

A winner for the Democrat side should emerge once those votes are counted.

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Joey Oliver

Stories by Joey Oliver

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