NILES — Niles’ Brad Paquette, 31, a state representative hopeful, was leading in Tuesday night’s primary as of press time at 11:27 p.m. By early morning Wednesday, unofficial results showed that Paquette had claimed a victory, earning 3,337 votes in Berrien County and 899 votes in Cass County. Paquette will go in to face Dean Hill, the uncontested Democratic candidate for state representative in November’s general election. 

Republican contenders in the race included David Mann, 27, who obtained 1,708 votes; Kelly Priede, 53, with 1,308 votes; Daniel Hinkle, 35, with 742 votes; Dana Daniels, 61 with 508 votes; Steve Bury with 176 votes and 22 write in candidate votes.  All results are the unofficial tallies listed on county websites. 

Niles candidates shared some similar issues that they hope to address if elected state representative – one of the biggest being auto insurance reform.

Another thing candidates seemed to generally agree on was that no matter who wins, they intend to show their support to that Republican candidate.

“We are all Republicans and the fellowship in our Republican party is what is needed,” Paquette said. “I think through this primary, especially in the 78th district, whoever wins we are going to band together and we are going to make sure that we remain strong as a party, because we are not going to be strong if we have division amongst us.”

An updated version with feedback from candidates will be posted in a later edition.