Jeffrey Pepper
By SUE SUCHYTA
Times-Herald Newspapers
DEARBORN – Democrat Jeffrey Pepper won Dearborn’s 15th District House race May 3 over Republican Ginger Shearer, 4,628 to 1,748, amid low in-person turn-out on a rainy day.
With only 2 percent of registered voters casting in-person ballots, and more than 7 percent voting absentee, Pepper received 73 percent of the vote, with Shearer receiving 27 percent of the ballots cast.
Pepper will fill the 15th District State House seat until Jan. 1, 2023, the position vacated when Abdullah Hammoud was elected mayor of Dearborn.
Pepper said he wishes Shearer well in her future endeavors. He also acknowledged Alabas Farhat, his opponent in the primary, and characterized him as bright, articulate and a passionate advocate for meaningful causes.
“This young man has far more future than past, and will be an effective architect for a better, more just future for generations to come,” he said.
Pepper thanked his supporters for their encouragement, advice and support during the campaign.
“These things are just so meaningful and uplifting to a candidate during the rollercoaster ride which is the nature of any campaign,” he said.
Pepper said there is a lot to do, and he has a short time to do it.
“I am fired up and ready to go,” he said. “I feel a sense of urgency to get to work for the good people of my beloved hometown.”
He said that, because of redistricting, he may be the last state representative for at least a decade, a maybe ever, whose district is solely Dearborn.
“My allegiance is undivided, as is my focus,” he said. “I will bring my particular set of skills to Lansing, and will work efficiently, with enthusiasm and purpose. I owe my party and my hometown nothing less.”
Shearer thanked her supporters, and congratulated Pepper.
She said that while she was disappointed with the result, she was pleased with the Republican voter turnout.
Shearer said she will now focus on the November election.
“Our mission is to go to work for the citizens in the 3rd District,” she said. “To that end, I will continue my personal commitment to ensure the betterment of all the citizens in this district.”