Republican John James late Tuesday conceded to Democratic Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan, nearly three weeks after the incumbent was declared the winner by The Associated Press.
James, who lost by 92,000 votes — or 1.7 percentage points — congratulated Peters on his reelection in a social media video a day after the bipartisan state election board confirmed the result. The James campaign had unsuccessfully asked the canvassers to delay certification to audit votes in the Democratic stronghold of Wayne County, home to Detroit.
About 70% of absentee precincts in the city did not balance, meaning counted ballots did not equal names on the poll book due to clerical errors or other reasons. But the number of implicated votes was at most 450 and had no bearing on the outcome, according to the state Democratic Party.
James said he was sending a bottle of scotch to Peters because they had shared scotch at a Detroit Pistons game a few years ago.
“Congratulations sir,” said James, a top executive in his family’s automotive logistics business and an Iraq War veteran. “I wish you and your family good health and safety this season and in the new year.”
James did not call Peters to concede. Two days after the Nov. 3 election, Peters said it was “sad” and “pathetic” that James had refused to concede defeat.
“The election is over and it’s time for everyone to move forward,” Peters said Monday after the results were certified.