State Rep. John Fitzgerald, a Wyoming Democrat, has won a second term representing Michigan's 83rd House District, defeating Republican challenger Cindy Ramirez by a decisive 62.5% to 37.5% margin. The district stretches across Wyoming and into parts of Grand Rapids, and the race wrapped up early Wednesday morning when the Associated Press called it at 12:21 a.m.
Fitzgerald, who currently serves as House Democratic floor leader, was first elected to the state House in 2022, according to MLive. Before heading to Lansing, he served on the Wyoming City Council and holds a degree from Michigan State University, per the same report.
Fitzgerald’s win is a much wider result than his last reelection: in 2024, he defeated Republican Tommy Brann 53.12% to 46.88%, receiving 20,547 votes to Brann’s 18,134 in Kent County’s official tally. This year’s reported 62.5% to 37.5% result marks a substantial expansion of his margin. Kent County’s 2024 election results provide the comparison.
Candidates Responded to Policy Questions
The 25-point spread left little doubt about the outcome once results came in. Ramirez, who identified herself as a distribution operator, challenged Fitzgerald, who has held the seat since his first run four years ago. The final tally gave Fitzgerald a commanding win in a district spanning Wyoming and parts of the state's second-largest city.
Fitzgerald campaigned for reelection while serving as House Democratic floor leader.
Fitzgerald’s leadership role followed a first term in which he chaired the House Local Government and Municipal Finance Committee. He is now listed as the Democratic floor leader and serves on the House Government Operations and Insurance committees, giving him a leadership position as well as committee work tied to state operations and insurance policy. His legislative biography traces that progression.
Where the Candidates Differed on Policy
A League of Women Voters election guide included Ramirez's biographical information. The candidates also responded to policy questions during the campaign.
Ramirez’s campaign offered a contrasting profile: she described herself as a West Michigan native and the daughter of a migrant worker, with degrees in computer technology and graphic design. Her stated priorities included local business and jobs, school investment, affordable health care, public safety, and roads, broadband and clean water. The candidate guide lists those biographical details and campaign priorities.
With the race called in an early-morning announcement by the Associated Press, Fitzgerald heads back to Lansing for another term representing the district, while Ramirez's campaign ends short of unseating the incumbent.
