Republican Tom Barrett files paperwork for second congressional run

LANSING — Tom Barrett, a Republican former state senator, has filed paperwork to run for Congress for a second time after confirming his candidacy earlier this year.

Barrett, of Charlotte, filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission declaring his candidacy for Michigan’s 7th District. Barrett ran for the seat in 2022 against incumbent Lansing Democrat Rep. Elissa Slotkin but lost by five percentage points.

Jason Roe, a campaign strategist for Barrett, did not respond to a request for comment.

With Slotkin vying for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat, which will be left by retiring Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Barrett is the first to enter an open field in what will be one of the most closely watched races in the country.

Barrett is the first candidate to officially enter a race, but an announcement from another former state senator — East Lansing Democrat Curtis Hertel Jr. — is likely on the horizon. Hertel formed a campaign committee on July 5 but has yet to announce his candidacy.

Lansing State Sen. Sarah Anthony announced Friday morning that she would not seek the seat and would remain in the Senate.

Contact Sheldon Krause at skrause@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @sheldonjkrause.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Republican Tom Barrett files paperwork for second congressional run