Paul Junge triumphed in the GOP primary for Michigan’s 8th Congressional District, obtaining the Republican nomination. He is now set to continue his campaign to succeed retiring Democrat Rep. Dan Kildee.
Junge secured victory with 73% of the vote against Mary Draves and Anthony Hudson, as announced by the Associated Press.
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Rep. Dan Kildee is leaving Congress at the end of the current term
Junge, who made two previous unsuccessful attempts for the 8th Congressional District seat, has experience in the Department of Homeland Security under former President Donald Trump and served as investigative counsel for Senate Judiciary Committee chair Sen. Chuck Grassley.
In his 2024 campaign, Junge emphasized tackling inflation and the border crisis, referencing the opioid epidemic as a factor impacting “devastating forgotten communities.”
“Addressing the increasing cost of living and enhancing the economy for working families is a crucial aspect of my campaign,” Junge stated to the Midland Daily News. “Additionally, I will work to curb the influx of illegal immigrants and harmful synthetic opioids across our southern border, which are wreaking havoc on underserved communities statewide and nationwide.”
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Draves, who co-owns an auto repair company with her husband, championed energy independence and border security during her campaign.
“Under President Trump, the United States achieved energy independence, making us a net energy exporter. By utilizing our resources, we lessen our reliance on foreign energy, allowing us to innovate and foster business growth here,” Draves told the Midland Daily News. “Our top priority must be halting the flow of illegal immigrants and fentanyl entering our country. A strong America equates to a secure and thriving America.”
GOP Congressional candidate Mary Draves. (Draves campaign)
Hudson, a Texas native and Army veteran, was pursuing his second attempt to represent the 8th Congressional District with a platform focused on job creation and border security.
“As an average American citizen who is frustrated with the direction our country is heading, I want to run for office to effect the necessary positive changes,” Hudson conveyed to the Midland Daily News. “My aim is to encourage people to return to Michigan by creating jobs and combating the influx of companies from China that (Gov.) Gretchen Whitmer is welcoming into our state.”
Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at a United Auto Workers rally, Detroit, Sept. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, file)
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Junge is now set to compete against the winner of the Democratic primary, featuring three candidates vying to take Kildee’s place.
Kildee has held the position in Michigan’s 8th Congressional District since 2012 but announced last November that he would not seek re-election.
