CHARLEVOIX, Mich. — The northern Michigan lawmaker who was arrested in Lansing in June is projected to lose his bid for reelection in the Republican Primary by a landslide.
Rep. Neil Friske took to Facebook early Wednesday morning to thank his supporters after Parker Fairbairn was announced as the projected winner of the August primary election.
"I’d like to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to those who supported me and worked tirelessly in my re-election efforts," Friske wrote. "Unfortunately, we didn’t achieve the results we had all hoped for, but the people of the 107th have spoken, and now it falls upon us to accept the unfortunate outcome."
Friske only managed to garner 6,260 of the nearly 17,000 votes cast across five counties in the election, the Petosky News reports.
Friske was arrested in Lansing in June for what the Lansing Police Department called a "felony-level offense." The arrest came after a report of a man with a gun and possible shots fired.
Ingham County Prosecuting Attorney John J. Dewane said that the initial investigation stemming from the report of a man with a gun and possible shots fired led officers to learn about a possible sexual assault of an adult woman.
The prosecuting attorney said Lansing Police submitted a warrant request to their office and Dewane has asked the Lansing Police Department to continue their investigation.
13 ON YOUR SIDE was told by the Lansing prosecutor's office that the investigation is still ongoing. Friske has denied any wrongdoing. His reelection campaign released a statement after the arrest saying in part:
"This morning, it was brought to our attention that Representative Friske was arrested and being held. As many of us know, Rep Friske is always exercising his 2nd Amendment right.
"We ask everyone for prayers and to stay tuned for updates directly from this campaign or Representative Friske himself.
"Thank you for the outpouring of concern and unwavering support we have received this morning. Clearly, Rep. Friske is over the target in this race."
Friske will remain in office through the end of his term on Dec. 31, 2024. District 107 in the Michigan House includes Charlevoix and Emmet counties and portions of Cheboygan, Chippewa and Mackinac counties.
