Democrat U.S. Rep. Gary Peters Wins 14th Congressional Nomination

U.S. Rep. Gary Peters won the Democratic Party's nomination for the 14th District Congressional seat Tuesday in the only state race between two incumbent Congressmen.

The Detroit Free Press reported Tuesday night that Peters, a representative currently serving the 9th district, won on the strength of overwhelming support in Oakland County over second-place U.S. Rep. Hansen Clarke.

Peters, originally of Bloomfield Township, was switched from the 9th District to the 14th after redistricting. He defeated a crowded field including Clarke, Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence, former state Rep. Mary Waters of Detroit, and retired magistrate Bob Costello of Detroit.

The redistricted 14th drew controversy in the weeks leading up to redistricting for its snake-like fashion. It wraps around poor neighborhoods in the east side of Detroit as well as wealthy neighborhoods in West Bloomfield. In addition to geography, race played a large part in the discussion surrounding the campaigns.

Clarke, of Detroit, said in a statement that he would not due to "racist rhetoric and race-baiting." Clarke is thought of as the first Bangladeshi-American Congressman; he was also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus and claimed on his website that his mother, Thelma Hashim, is African-American.

The Free Press published Hashim's 1976 death certificate, identifying her as white.

Peters will take on Grosse Pointe Woods native and Republican John Hauler in the November election.

Results are considered unofficial.