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OAKLAND COUNTY/WAYNE COUNTY — In the primary election Aug. 2, Mike McFall, the mayor pro tem of Hazel Park, secured the Democratic nomination for the newly redrawn 8th District of the State House of Representatives. He defeated Madison Heights City Councilman David Soltis, Durrel Douglas, Ernest Little and Ryan Nelson.
In the race for the Republican nomination, Robert Noble defeated Attie Pollard.
The unofficial vote totals in the Democratic primary were 3,615 votes for McFall, 2,070 votes for Douglas, 1,337 votes for Soltis, 1,643 votes for Little, and 904 votes for Nelson.
The totals for the Republican primary were 1,718 votes for Noble, and 379 votes for Pollard.
McFall and Noble will now compete in November for one two-year term. The salary for a state representative is $71,685.
The district covers the city of Hazel Park, most of Madison Heights, one Ferndale precinct, the city of Highland Park and part of Detroit.
“I just got off the phone with Robert Noble and I congratulated him on a good victory,” Pollard said via email. “I wish him well in the November election, and he has my full support.”
McFall said that “this district is so important to me,” and that he can’t thank his supporters enough, including his volunteers and family.
“I’m so moved by their faith in me. They know we need someone in Lansing that understands and respects local government, so that elected leaders at all levels can collaborate effectively to better the lives of everyone in the district, no matter where you live,” McFall said via email. “I want to congratulate my primary opponents on their well-run campaigns, and I hope we can all work together to win in November. We all need to fight for our Democratic values, such as reproductive freedom, common-sense gun laws, accessible healthcare and environmental protections. As much as I want to celebrate now, I realize it’s time to really get to work. I believe in this state, I believe in this district, and I know we can, and must, do better.”
Nelson issued a statement the following day, Aug. 3.
“Yes, the final numbers today were not what we had hoped, but they are undeniable evidence of how a truly grassroots approach can succeed — how democracy can and needs to overcome politics in our city halls and in Lansing. We are finished for now, and can finally recharge, reflect and celebrate what we’ve accomplished together these past five months. But we know the work to improve our communities, our politics and our government is never finished,” Nelson said via email, before congratulating McFall and the others. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you to all of my new friends, families and supporters throughout our new district. It was my honor to meet you, to learn from you, and to receive your vote yesterday.”
Douglas also thanked everyone who donated, volunteered and supported him.
“We won Detroit, but got trounced in the suburbs, so this ends this campaign for state rep, but it doesn’t end my commitment to creating a world where my people thrive, and where freedom doesn’t depend on your zip code or income level,” Douglas said in an email. “The end of this campaign doesn’t end my quest for strong neighborhood schools, resources for those on fixed income and for our senior citizens. It doesn’t end any of this work, because these were things we worked on together before I put my name on a ballot, and will continue through the next time my name is on a ballot. Congratulations to the other candidates, and to Mike McFall and his team for running a strong campaign.”
Little also commended McFall on his campaign.
“Congratulations to Mike McFall in winning the Democratic nomination in House District 8,” Little said via email.
Noble described his own campaign as a grassroots effort.
“I am honored to be the Republican candidate for the newly formed District 8. I said from the start of my campaign that District 8 is America’s district. We are a melting pot of all races, colors, creeds and religions. As a U.S. Navy veteran and a former deputy sheriff, I will ‘serve and protect’ all of the people in this district,” Noble said in an email. “I want to thank my wife, who is my rock, and as a schoolteacher for the past 29 years, she also serves our children. She gives me a new perspective and that keeps me on my message. I have a strong group of advisors and friends, and their suggestions are invaluable.
“Where to next? Lansing, Michigan! I am in this to win it,” Noble continued. “I am asking the people of District 8 to not look at the (D) letter behind the name of my opponent, but to look at the ideas, the direction, and the common sense that I project to actually fix the issues we all face. I am not a politician, and not looking to advance my political career. I am here to ‘serve and protect’ the integrity of this Legislature, the moral values of our citizens and our children, and logical and realistic ideas and plans to help all the people in the district and state.”
Soltis did not provide comments by press time.
Previously, the candidates described themselves in profiles published by C & G Newspapers.
McFall, 48, works for the Williams Syndrome Association in membership services and as a philanthropy associate. He has lived in Hazel Park for five years. He has a bachelor’s degree in community development and public administration from Central Michigan University.
“We must de-stigmatize mental illness and make care affordable and available when people need help, in times of crisis or routine care,” McFall said previously. “I believe in a woman’s right to make her own reproductive decisions. I will stand up against all attacks on reproductive freedom.”
He also previously expressed support for small businesses, and common-sense gun control policies such as background checks and red-flag laws.
Noble, 64, is self-employed and has lived in Madison Heights for 13 years. He has a pre-law degree from Purdue University Global, and is new to politics.
“There are many areas that have importance to me,” Noble said previously, listing his top priorities as supporting law enforcement and non-taxable pensions for seniors, and less regulations for small business startups. He also wants severe penalties for those convicted of gun crimes, and a “hire veterans first” policy for businesses.
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