The crowded race for 13th Congressional District representative got a little slimmer this week. Detroit attorney Godfrey Dillard didn’t have enough valid signatures of qualified voters to make the Aug. 7 primary ballot, according to the Wayne County clerk’s office.
Dillard turned in 1,735 signatures by the May 15 filing deadline. But a review found he didn’t meet the 1,000 signature requirement of registered voters within the district, says Caven West, chief deputy Wayne County Clerk.
U.S. Rep. John Conyers, D-Detroit, is vying for reelection in the district that includes parts of Detroit and Wayne County. No one challenged his signature collection and the clerk’s office found he met the mark. Officials are still reviewing the petitions for state Rep. Shanelle Jackson, whose signatures have been challenged.
Also running are John Goci, state Sen. Bert Johnson and state Sen. Glenn Anderson. All three had faced signature challenges as well.
In the GOP U.S. Senate race, the signatures of Roscommon businessman Peter Konetchy are under challenge. He turned in 15,500. At least 15,000 valid signatures are needed to make the ballot, with 100 each from at least seven congressional districts.
A challenge was also filed against Michael Magdich, a Democratic candidate for the 8th Congressional District represented by U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton.
The Michigan Secretary of State elections office is reviewing the petitions and will make a report to the Board of State Canvassers by June 5.
Check out a detailed list of U.S. House and Senate candidates who filed for office by the May 15 petition deadline.
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