Brinks begins Schmidt seat write-in

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Political newcomer Winnie Brinks is realistic about her chances in unseating Democrat-turned-Republican Roy Schmidt in Grand Rapids' west side House district.

"I know this is going to be a tremendous challenge. I'm not a politician. I've never run for office before. All I can do is pledge to you that I will do all I possibly can to win this race," Brinks said at a press conference on Calder Plaza Friday morning. "I promise that I will restore honesty and integrity to this seat and I will represent you in the way that you expect and deserve."

Brinks was recruited by the Democrats after Schmidt jumped ship in a surprise move just before the filing deadline. She was joined at the press conference by Rep. Kate Segal (D-Battle Creek) and Rep. Brandon Dillon (D-Grand Rapids.)

The married mother of three will have to garner as many as 1,000 write-in votes in the August primary, since the deadline to file as a candidate already passed. If she does get that many, her name will appear on the November ballot in a direct race against Schmidt.

When Schmidt filed the paperwork to run again, he also changed his party affiliation. At almost the exact same moment, a newcomer named Matt Mojzak filed as a Democrat to run in the 76th District.

But he withdrew from the race after questions arose about his residency and whether there was some coordination with Schmidt.

Schmidt denies that. The Michigan State Police are currently investigating the details.

Brinks currently is a caseworker at The Source and previously was the Executive Director of The One Way House. She has ideas about what she wants to do if she wins --  restore education funding and do away with the pension tax.

Democrats vow to support her in the November election, but it's uncertain how much resources they'll be able to provide to try and win a seat they hadn't planned on having to defend just a month ago.