Sen. Gary Peters (D) had some words for John James (R) after the Republican refused to concede the U.S. Senate race in battleground Michigan.
“It’s sad and it’s pathetic. They lost,” Peters told reporters. “It’s very clear. Just count the votes. I understand Mr. James has been running for four years, he’s lost twice now. I understand that doesn’t sit well with him.”
Peters is projected to win with 49.8 percent of the vote compared to James' 48.3 percent, according to the New York Times. They added that 99 percent of precincts were reporting at the time. James, a Black businessman and Iraq War veteran, would've been the the Michigan's first Black U.S. Senator if he won.
“While Senator Peters is currently ahead, I have deep concerns that millions of Michiganders may have been disenfranchised by a dishonest few who cheat," the Black Republican said in a statement posted to Twitter. “Those who object likely have something to hide."
Charlie Spies, an attorney representing James, filed a complaint with the Wayne County Board of Canvassers, according to the Detroit News. Alleging Democratic interference, Spies reportedly claimed Republican poll watchers weren't allowed to "meaningfully" participate" during the vote count.
Peters urged James not to be a "sore loser."
“This is where you see someone’s character,” the senator remarked. “And they come up and realize that they need to accept the vote of the people of the state of Michigan. I would hope that this nonsense could go away.”
Photo: Getty Images