Tom Barrett will run again for Congress in 2024; several Democrats still considering

LANSING — Tom Barrett, a former Republican state senator and 2022 congressional candidate, will again run to represent Michigan's 7th District in 2024.

Jason Roe, Barrett's campaign strategist, confirmed Monday that Barrett is planning on running again for the 7th District in 2024 following the announcement that Rep. Elissa Slotkin, the Democrat currently representing the district, will run for Senate.

"Sen. Barrett has received a lot of encouragement from around the state to seek the congressional seat in 2024 and plans to do so," Roe said. An official announcement will be made in the coming weeks, he said.

Several local Democrats have expressed their interest in a possible run for the seat, but none have confirmed that they plan to seek the position. No other Republicans have said they’re running for the seat.

Barrett attempted to take down Slotkin, a then-two-term congresswoman, in 2022. The race in a district which favored President Donald Trump in 2020 was seen as one of the most competitive races in the country. Slotkin won in a close race.

Barrett, who lives in Charlotte, formerly represented the 24th district in the state senate, which included Charlotte, St. Johns, Owosso and parts of Meridian Township.

Slotkin's seat will be left without an incumbent following her announcement of her campaign for U.S. Senate. Slotkin will be vying to replace outgoing Sen. Debbie Stabenow, a Democrat who had represented Michigan since 2001.

Several Democratic candidates also expressed their interest in a possible run for the seat, but none confirmed their intentions with certainty.

Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum, who formerly represented parts of Ingham County in the State Legislature, said she is evaluating a possible run.

"Over the coming weeks, I have many conversations to have; with my family, friends, and constituents in Ingham County and beyond. My focus will be unwavering; I will ensure that my constituents’ voices are heard, whether as County Clerk or in some other capacity," she wrote in an email.

"What I most want to see is that mid-Michigan continues to be represented well in Congress," she added. "Our district has given us powerhouses who have brought their unique leadership to our state. From Debbie Stabenow, to Gretchen Whitmer, and my mother, Dianne Byrum, as well."

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor said he too has been receiving encouragement to run for the seat and that he will be considering it in the coming days.

"I believe we need a member of Congress that will continue to represent our district who is a moderate and work with both sides of the aisle to get things done in DC," he said in a statement.

"That has been how I have served in the State House and as Mayor, so I will be looking at this congressional seat over the next few days and weighing all the factors. I will seriously examine the race and make a determination soon."

State Rep. Julie Brixie, D-Meridian Township, said the she may enter the race.

"I've been a public servant for 23 years. I first ran for office because my community needed me and asked me to serve. If I am needed, I would certainly consider it," she said in a text.

Several officials either said they were not planning on running or indicated they were more focused on their current role.

Sate Sen. Sam Singh, D-East Lansing, said that he will not run for the seat.

“My commitment is with the State Senate and making sure that we make the changes that are necessary to position Michigan for its future, and so I'm going to stay here in the State Senate and look to support a strong Democrat as those candidates emerge,” he said Tuesday.

Singh, former mayor of East Lansing and House Democratic Minority Leader, now serves as the Majority Floor leader in the State Senate.

State Rep. Emily Dievendorf, D-Lansing, declined to give a definite answer but said in an email, “At this point I’m focused on serving MI House District 77 and am waiting to see which viable candidates emerge as options to fill Rep. Slotkin’s seat. It is my hope that our communities will put out a call for the leadership they wish to see in such an important position.”

State Rep. Jennifer Conlin, D-Ann Arbor, said that she is “laser-focused” on working for her constituents in the State Legislature.

“I am grateful to have this opportunity and will continue working tirelessly on their behalf in Michigan's House of Representatives,” she said in a statement.

Several state legislators within the 7th District either didn’t respond by the time of publication or provided no comment: Sen. Sarah Anthony, D-Lansing; Sen. Lana Theis, R-Brighton; Rep. Angela Witwer, D-Delta Twp.; Rep. Kara Hope, D-Holt; Rep. Brian Begole, R-Antrim Township; Rep. Bob Bezotte, R-Marion Twp.; Rep. Graham Filler, R-Clinton County; and Rep. Gina Johnsen, R-Odessa Twp.

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

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Tom Barrett to run again for Congress in 2024; Dems still considering