Michigan’s 7th Congressional District encompasses Ingham, Livingston, Clinton and Shiawassee counties and parts of Eaton, Oakland and Genesee counties, an array of mid-Michigan communities that demand representation capable of straddling political aisles and ideological differences with an uncommon level of expertise in negotiation and dealmaking.
For six years, the district has had such service in U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, whose background includes various defense and intelligence positions under Presidents George Bush and President Barack Obama. Slotkin opted to run for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat, leaving an opening in the 7th District.
Democrat Curtis Hertel Jr. , of East Lansing, and Republican Tom Barrett, of Charlotte, are vying to replace Slotkin, in one of the only truly competitive House races in the nation. Cook’s Political Report rates the 7th District a Democratic-leaning toss-up , but the district, from Lansing to rural Clinton County, traces the political spectrum. It’s a line Slotkin ably walked, winning re-election three times against serious contenders.