2003 Grand Rapids mayoral election|
| |
 |
|
| Candidate |
George Heartwell |
Barbara Sue Damore |
| Popular vote |
12,330 |
1,657 |
| Percentage |
83.82% |
11.26% |
|
|
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
2003 Grand Rapids mayoral election[9]
| 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
- 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.
