Hillary Scholten has secured victory in the House Democratic primary for Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District, a pivotal race that could influence the balance of power in Congress.
According to a call by the Associated Press, Scholten achieved an impressive 87% of the vote against challenger Salim Al-Shatel.
As she completes her first term in Congress, Scholten, the incumbent, emphasized her track record, which her supporters argue demonstrates her commitment to enacting change during her initial two years on Capitol Hill.
KEY PRIMARIES IN 4 STATES ON TUESDAY TO SET TABLE FOR NOVEMBER SENATE, HOUSE SHOWDOWNS
WASHINGTON – JULY 25: Rep. Hillary Scholten, D-Mich., is interviewed by Roll Call in her office within the Longworth House Office Building on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
“Others may make numerous promises,” Scholten stated during an interview with ABC News 13. “It’s simple to criticize from the sidelines or propose what one would do, but I’m the sole candidate here who has consistently risen each day to fulfill the commitments I made in 2022. And we have accomplished those goals.”
Conversely, Al-Shatel revealed that his decision to run stemmed from dissatisfaction with some of Scholten’s policies.
“I didn’t want to just vent on social media or among friends,” Al-Shatel expressed to ABC News 13. “I aimed to offer a viable alternative to the public, as Hillary has faced no competition in the primary elections twice in a row, and I didn’t want her to proceed unchecked.”
U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-MI) delivers remarks at a press conference after a House Democratic Caucus meeting at the U.S. Capitol Building on January 25, 2023, in Washington, DC. She addressed the importance of safeguarding abortion rights.(Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
WHAT MIKE ROGERS TOLD FOX NEWS DIGITAL ABOUT HIS SENATE SHOWDOWN IN MICHIGAN
Al-Shatel expressed a desire to present an alternative viewpoint on matters such as foreign policy, arguing that the U.S. was backing a “genocide” in the Middle East while neglecting domestic funding priorities.
“I view the situation as a genocide with the innocent lives being lost,” Al-Shatel commented. “I fail to see the justification for continuing to send financial support abroad when people here face issues like a lack of universal health care, soaring grocery prices, and escalating housing costs.”
In the upcoming general election, [Winner] will compete against the victor of Tuesday’s GOP primary, which features attorney Paul Hudson and businessman Michael Markey Jr.
Former Rep. Peter Meijer, R-Mich.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Following the congressional map redistricting in 2022, Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District has become a more competitive battleground, contributing to Scholten’s successful ousting of former Republican Rep. Peter Meijer that same year.
The Cook Political Report categorizes this district as “likely” to favor a Democrat in the upcoming elections.
