Democrat Fitzgerald wins closely watched Grand Rapids area state House race

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — State Rep. John Fitzgerald, D-Wyoming, has earned another term representing a Grand Rapids area state House seat after fending off a challenge from well known Republican businessman Tommy Brann.

Fitzgerald defeated Brann 53.1% to 46.9% in the 83rd District state House race, according to results from the Associated Press.

The district encompasses the city of Wyoming, a portion of Cutlerville, and a portion of southwest Grand Rapids.

Related: Two square off in race for Grand Rapids-area state House seat

Fitzgerald was elected to the Wyoming City Council in 2020 as an at-large member. At the time, he worked in insurance sales/marketing, and he holds a bachelor's degree in history from Michigan State University. He was elected to his first term in the state House in November 2022.

Brann, whose family created the Brann's Steakhouse & Grille chain, was first elected to the state House in 2017, representing the city of Wyoming and Byron Township in what was then the 77th District. He ran for Michigan's 29th District Senate seat in 2022 but was defeated by Sen. Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids.

Brann tried to regain his spot representing Wyoming in the state House, but he was unsuccessful.

In an online voter guide, Fitzgerald said he was running for reelection to "continue the great work the legislature has been able to accomplish this session for the people of Michigan and to support the priorities of my constituents."

"We have made significant strides in improving public policy, and I look forward to continuing my work to expand worker's rights, robustly fund public education, and develop a local economy that provides the foundation for high-paying jobs as well as affordable housing," he said in the voter guide.