For the first time since 1988, Michigan appears to have helped elect a Republican president. The state’s 16 electoral votes will go to Republican nominee Donald Trump if the narrow victory holds.
Scott Hagerstrom is Trump’s Michigan campaign chairman. He says the results show Trump’s unconventional campaign strategy worked.
“He went into Detroit. He went into Flint – against what everyone said, but he did because he is, that’s what he’s going to do for our country,” he said. “He’s going to be a fighter for the American people.”
Hagerstrom said trade deals proved to be a potent issue in the industrial Midwest:
“Americans, people here in Michigan, people in the Midwest, are ready for change, they want change. They don’t believe Washington DC is serving their interests. People want jobs. They want higher wages. They want a safe America.”
Every Michigan congressional incumbent was re-elected and GOP nominees Jack Bergstrom and Paul Mitchell won their races for open seats in northern Michigan and the Thumb region.
The GOP sweep means Republicans will also kept control of the Michigan Legislature for the final two years of Governor Rick Snyder’s term.
“Well, I’m just so happy that voters have recognized what Republican policies and leadership has done in Michigan,” said Michigan Republican Chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel. “And I’m just glad Governor Snyder’s going to have a House to work with him for the final two years of his term so that we can continue to work for the people of Michigan.”
Governor Snyder declined to endorse a presidential candidate in this year’s election.
