The2017 Lansing mayoral election was held on November 7, 2017, following a primary election on August 8, 2017. Incumbent MayorVirgil Bernero declined to seek a fourth term, and a crowded race developed to succeed him. State RepresentativeAndy Schor placed first in the primary election by a wide margin, winning 68 percent of the vote, and he advanced to the general election with City CouncilwomanJudi Brown Clarke, who won 23 percent of the vote. Schor ultimately defeated Clarke by a wide margin, winning 72 percent of the vote to Clarke's 28 percent.
MayorVirgil Bernero initially intended to seek re-election, and he faced likely opposition from State RepresentativeAndy Schor and City CouncilwomanJudi Brown Clarke.[1] However, after Schor announced his candidacy, Bernero announced that he would not seek a fourth term, citing family considerations.[6] Clarke announced her candidacy shortly thereafter.[2]
Several other candidates joined the race prior to the filing deadline. When Danny Dario Trevino, the owner of a medical marijuana dispensary, was unable to run for office because of a previous felony conviction, he encouraged his 20-year-old son, Danny Anthony Trevino, to run in his place.[3] Former City Councilman Harold Leeman, Jr., who unsuccessfully ran for Mayor in2013 and was charged with embezzlement for stealing with a concession stand at a city park,[7] announced his campaign for Mayor shortly after he was charged.[5] Finally, retired teacher Michael Gillenkirk, who previously worked for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and stateRepublican Party, also announced his candidacy.[8]
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