HOWELL, MI — Republican Tom Barrett is projected to win Michigan's 7th Congressional District, defeating Democratic challenger Curtis Hertel Jr. 50.4% to 46.5%.
Barrett, an Iraq war veteran and former Michigan congressman, will fill the vacancy left by Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin, who is running for Michigan's Senate seat this cycle.
This is Barrett's second bid for the district, having lost to Slotkin in 2022.
Hertel's campaign mirrored Vice President Kamala Harris' national campaign strategy, with campaign ads centering on tax and border issues and touting support from the state's Republicans.
Meanwhile, Barrett's campaign touted support from Donald Trump and emphasized the candidate's background as a military veteran and Congressman.
Barrett is very much in Trump's mold, proposing border controls, tax cuts and a more cautious relationship with Chinese investors in the United States. on his website.
Barrett, who lost the 7th District in 2022 amid a debate over abortion, has chosen not to make abortion a campaign issue in 2024. Democrats criticized the pivot as a flip-flop.
During the campaign, Mr. Hertel used language likely for a Republican to describe his policy proposals: “Curtis is leading the fight to bring the next generation of auto factories to Michigan, not China.” said the website, sounding like Donald Trump himself.
Hertel also distanced himself from extremist rhetoric on climate change, avoiding typical Democratic talking points such as government-mandated electric vehicle production and phasing out fossil fuels.
“As temperatures rise and increasingly intense and unpredictable weather events become the new normal, we are committed to supporting Michigan agriculture and helping families affected by storm damage and rising insurance premiums. We need to work to support them,” his modest campaign statement reads. climate change.
In districts where Republicans and Democrats are equally represented, both candidates rushed to the ideological center this term.
