2003 Grand Rapids mayoral election
September 9, 2003
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The 2003 Grand Rapids mayoral election was held on September 9, 2003. Incumbent Mayor John H. Logie declined to run for re-election to a fourth term. Former City Commissioner George Heartwell ended up winning the ensuing election with 84 percent of the vote after he faced only token opposition.
Candidates
- George Heartwell, former City Commissioner[1]
- Barbara Sue Damore, businesswoman, 1995 and 1999 candidate for the City Commission[2]
- Richa, local activist[3]
Campaign
On July 9, 2002, Mayor John H. Logie announced that he would not seek a fourth term.[4] Former City Commissioner George Heartwell was the first to announce his campaign on September 30, 2002, and State Senator Glenn Steil and City Commissioner Scott Bowen formed exploratory committees.[1] However, Steil announced on January 9, 2003, that he wouldn't run, saying, "I don't have fire in my belly."[5] Later that year, Bowen also declined to run, citing family considerations.[6]
When candidate filing closed, Heartwell had two opponents: businesswoman Barbara Sue Damore and activist Richa.[7] Neither candidate attracted wide support, and Heartwell raised and spent significantly more than both combined.[8] Heartwell ultimately defeated both in a landslide, winning 84 percent of the vote to Damore's 11 percent and Richa's 5 percent, avoiding the need for a runoff election.
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonpartisan | George Heartwell | 12,330 | 83.82% | |
| Nonpartisan | Barbara Sue Damore | 1,657 | 11.26% | |
| Nonpartisan | Richa | 723 | 4.92% | |
| Total votes | 14,710 | 100.00% | ||
References
- ^ a b Harger, Jim (September 30, 2002). "Heartwell begins quest to be GR's next mayor". The Grand Rapids Press. Grand Rapids, Michigan. p. D1. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
- ^ Harger, Jim (September 5, 2003). "Mayoral candidate, city in tax dispute". The Grand Rapids Press. Grand Rapids, Michigan. p. A1. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
- ^ Harger, Jim (September 4, 2003). "Mayoral forum touts help for schools". The Grand Rapids Press. Grand Rapids, Michigan. p. A19. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
- ^ Harger, Jim (July 9, 2002). "Logie won't seek re-election". The Grand Rapids Press. Grand Rapids, Michigan. p. A1. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
- ^ Harmon, Steven (January 10, 2003). "Steil quickly exits GR mayor race". The Grand Rapids Press. Grand Rapids, Michigan. p. D1. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
- ^ Harmon, Steven (May 6, 2003). "Bowen won't join race for GR mayor". The Grand Rapids Press. Grand Rapids, Michigan. p. A13. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
- ^ Harmon, Steven (June 18, 2003). "Mayoral field clears for Heartwell". The Grand Rapids Press. Grand Rapids, Michigan. p. A1, A4. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
- ^ Harmon, Steven (September 3, 2003). "Heartwell's mayoral campaign outraises contenders by $80,000". The Grand Rapids Press. Grand Rapids, Michigan. p. A1. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
- ^ "2003 Sep 9: General Election: Mayor: City of Grand Rapids". Kent County Clerk. 2003. Retrieved June 25, 2025.