The 2003 Grand Rapids mayoral election was held on September 9, 2003. Incumbent Mayor John H. Logie declined to run for re-election to a fourth term. Former City Commissioner George Heartwell ended up winning the ensuing election with 84 percent of the vote after he faced only token opposition.
On July 9, 2002, Mayor John H. Logie announced that he would not seek a fourth term.[4] Former City Commissioner George Heartwell was the first to announce his campaign on September 30, 2002, and State Senator Glenn Steil and City Commissioner Scott Bowen formed exploratory committees.[1] However, Steil announced on January 9, 2003, that he wouldn't run, saying, "I don't have fire in my belly."[5] Later that year, Bowen also declined to run, citing family considerations.[6]
When candidate filing closed, Heartwell had two opponents: businesswoman Barbara Sue Damore and activist Richa.[7] Neither candidate attracted wide support, and Heartwell raised and spent significantly more than both combined.[8] Heartwell ultimately defeated both in a landslide, winning 84 percent of the vote to Damore's 11 percent and Richa's 5 percent, avoiding the need for a runoff election.
