By GARRETT NEESE

gneese@mininggazette.com

HOUGHTON — Incumbents held on in the top Houghton County races, while three newcomers landed on the Houghton City Council.

In the sheriff’s race, incumbent Republican Brian McLean easily won re-election, garnering 76.3% of the vote with 12,261 votes. Coming in second was independent Joshua Saaranen (1,813), who endorsed McLean, followed by independent Roger Sullivan (1,165). Steve Laux filed as a write-in candidate; write-ins received 840 votes.

In the county clerk race, incumbent Democrat Jennifer Kelly (9,957) defeated Republican challenger Justin Kasieta (7,670).

“I’m happy beyond words,” Kelly said Wednesday, shortly after the final results came in. “I’m truly grateful to every single person that has helped me, supported me and believed in me. I’m a happy girl.”

All incumbent county commissioners won their races, including three who had contested races. In District 1, Republican Vice Chairman Tom Tikkanen (2,325) defeated Democratic challenger Amber Brodersen (1,155).

In District 2, Republican Chairman Al Koskela (2,577) defeated Democratic challenger Mark Pavolich (1,612).

In the closest of the county races, Democratic incumbent Glenn Anderson (1,842) defeated Republican challenger Dan Holcomb (1,578) in District 3.

In Houghton, three challengers who have asked the city to seek more public input on the future of the big parking deck area on Lakeshore Drive were elected to the council. Joan Suits (1,215), Virginia Cole (1,000) and Brian Irizarry (777) defeated incumbents John Sullivan (742) and Philip Foltz (716).

In a contested Hancock City Council race for Ward 3, Kurt Rickard (299) beat John Slivon (184). John Haeussler (672) was elected to a partial two-year term, beating Margo Pizzi (502), Robert Stites (307) and James De Clerck (272).

Houghton County voter turnout was 69.8%, up from 56.2% in 2016.