Shortly after 10 p.m. on primary election night, Michigan Speaker of the House Andy Dillon conceded the Democratic primary to Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero.

The election gathering took place at the Book Cadillac Hotel in Detroit, at 8 p.m. with close to 300 in attendance. Although Dillon conceded the race, those in attendance still had high spirits, as did he. He thanked his supporters and encouraged them to continue their support in an effort to turn Michigan around for the better.

“I entered this race because I know we can turn this great state around,” Dillon said. “It’s one Michigan. It’s not if you’re a Republican or Democrat, in the city or suburbs. Or if you are labor or management. We are all in this boat together. If we don’t get this boat rowing out into the water in the same direction we’re not going to turn it around.”

Dillon spoke to those in attendance with his wife, three sons, and daughter behind him in support.

“Systemic change has to happen. Embrace it,” he said. “Support your leaders as they make tough decisions. They have to be made.”

A number of leaders were present at the gathering in support of Dillon, including Mayor Dave Bing of Detroit.

“It’s disappointing that the person you supported did not win. But at the same token we cannot stay where we are. Now it’s about getting the party together and making sure we are united and that we want to do what is right for Michigan,” Bing said, “If we are going to change anything I think we have to come together.”

Dillon received 41 percent of the votes in the August 3 primary, making it a close race. The loss was a surprise as polls had shown Dillon ahead of Bernero until recent weeks.

“I think a low turnout is a result of the state of Michigan,” Bing said, “A lot of people didn’t think the primary was that important but now that we are going to move to the general I hope more people will get more engaged and come out in support of the issues.”

With the election over, Dillon is looking to spend more time with his family, “I’ll probably go back to the private sector, I look forward to getting back to the private life,” something that his son Matt Dillon is thankful for.

“It’s been pretty chaotic with the campaign,” Matt said, “We’re probably going to go up north to relax a bit now that it is over.”