SAULT STE MARIE -- Most of the county boards of canvassers in Michigan's 1st Congressional District have completed their work and have likely confirmed the outcome of the race for Congress in Northern Michigan.
In a press release this evening, Gary McDowell announced his concession to the incumbent, Dan Benishek.
"I am proud of the campaign we ran to fight for good-paying jobs, protect Medicare and defend our Great Lakes," said McDowell. "I called Congressman Benishek tonight to congratulate him on his successful campaign and wish him luck in his next term in Congress."
Though volunteers in every county will continue to certify ballots in each county, the McDowell campaign said new results are unlikely to change the outcome of the race. Congressman Benishek's margin of victory will likely continue to hold at about half of a percent of the vote.
Though the Associated Press declared Benishek the winner earlier this week, the McDowell campaign did not concede saying they wanted to be sure every vote was counted.
"With only six tenths of the vote separating me and Congressman Benishek, we felt it was our duty to ensure that every vote was counted." McDowell continued. "That has been done to our satisfaction."
"I want to thank every voter in Northern Michigan for taking part in this critical election and give my heartfelt thanks to everyone who worked so hard on this campaign," said McDowell.
