An incumbent Lake County Councilman is trailing in his bid to retain his seat, with a Gary Common Councilman leading in the race.
With 38% of the vote, Gary Common Councilman Darren Washington led the Lake County Council District 2 primary Tuesday night. Toya Smith, of Highland, was in second with 23% of the vote, while incumbent Ronald Brewer Sr. was in third with 17% of the vote. Norman Hairston, of Gary, received 9% and former County Councilman Alfredo Menchaca received 12%.
Washington said he thinks it was his messaging that pushed him toward the finish line.
“You have three seconds to make an impression, so through texting and direct mailers, I told people what I’m doing and what I want to so, like bringing County government to the communities,” Washington said Tuesday night. “It seemed like everyone else was saying the same things about ‘We need equity,’ but what does that mean? It’s word salad.
“If I’m the person who is to lead the second District, I’m grateful to Griffith, Highland and Gary for giving me the chance.”
For District 1, Christine Signorelli was leading former City of Hammond Chief of Staff Scott Miller, 63% to 36%.
In District 3, returns had Gary Common Councilman Dwight Williams in the lead with 23% of the vote; Gary School Board member Glenn Johnson with 20%; Ericka Castillo with 19%; David Gearman with 15%; former Hobart City Councilman William Perryman with 13%; and Marlinda Tyson Haymon with 10%.
Former Merrillville Town Councilman Richard Hardaway led the District 6 race 55% to 45% over Steven Minchuk.
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On the Republican side, incumbent councilman Randy Niemeyer, R-Cedar Lake, is leading Richard C. Thiel, 62% to 37%.
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.