Republican Tom Barrett projected to take key Michigan open House seat
Former Republican State Sen. Tom Barrett emerged victorious in the race for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, defeating Democratic former state Sen. Curtis Hertel, as projected by The Associated Press. The seat was left vacant by Rep. Elissa Slotkin, who decided to pursue Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat in the 2024 election cycle.
Barrett, a former Army helicopter pilot with eight years of experience in the state legislature, had previously run for the same seat but was defeated by Slotkin in 2022. On this occasion, he managed to secure a win over Hertel, who was making his first bid for the U.S. House after leaving the State Senate in 2022 due to term limits.
Hertel put up a strong fight, outspending Barrett for much of the race. According to a report from October in the Detroit News, Hertel had raised $4.2 million compared to Barrett’s $2.8 million. Additionally, Hertel benefited from significant ad spending by outside groups, including on television, digital media, and mail advertisements.
The race for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District was closely watched and considered one of the most competitive in the country leading up to election day. Barrett’s victory marks a significant win for Republicans in the state.
In the midst of a heated political climate, this outcome underscores the shifting dynamics in Michigan politics. As Barrett prepares to take on his new role in Congress, all eyes will be on how he navigates the challenges and opportunities that come with representing the 7th District.
For more updates on the 2024 campaign trail and exclusive interviews, visit the Fox News Digital election hub. Stay tuned for further developments as the political landscape continues to evolve.
Written by Michael Lee for Fox News, a seasoned journalist with a background in political coverage spanning over eight years, this article provides a comprehensive overview of the recent election results in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District.
