With a primary election taking place Tuesday, candidates for State House District 1 in Wayne County are working hard to win support.
On the campaign trail, they are also stopping to share their goals and differences with Action News. Each of the candidates in this year's race have also never served in state government before.
A republican candidate who's background is in construction, Mark Corcoran says he's not the typical candidate and doesn't come from a wealthy background. He also says he'll work hard to stand up for the people of his district including Detroit's eastside, Harper Woods, Grosse Pointe Woods, and the Village of Grosse Pointe Shores.
"I'm just a working man and can relate to the average working man. I'm not some lawyer making money off the laws they make when they go to Lansing," says Corcoran.
On the democratic side, there are 2 front runners who have emerged from a field of numerous candidates. Attorney Pamela Sossi recently received endorsements from the Teamsters union, as well as Detroit News and Free Press. Sossi says she's tired of politicians who've let the community down.
"The bottom line is the eastside needs some attention and love. Elected officials have been using and abusing us. I am a champion of the people and represent plantiffs. I never work for banks or insurance companies, and want to bring that perspective to the state house," says Sossi.
Tenisha Yancey is also considered a strong candidate by insiders. She has backing by the UAW, as well as unions representing carpenters and engineers, and she is a school board member in Harper Woods. Yancey also worked as a Wayne County Prosecutor.
Yancey says, "Being a Harper Woods school board member, I am very passionate about education and ensuring all children have access to adequate education. I think there needs to be more oversight with charter schools in terms of what they allow."
Republican William Phillips is also on the ballot, but could not be reached for an on-camera interview. This race, is to fill a seat vacated by former State Rep. Brian Banks, who resigned early after legal troubles.
