Race to Watch: Kristen McDonald Rivet vs. Paul Junge

Michiganders have some big decisions to make in the November election—including a choice between Democratic state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet or Republican Paul Junge.

MICHIGAN—State Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, a Democrat, will face off in November against Paul Junge, a Republican attorney and TV reporter who served in ex-President Donald Trump’s administration, for one of 13 seats representing Michigan in the US House of Representatives.

They’re each running to represent Michigan’s 8th Congressional District, which is home to about 775,000 Michiganders living in Saginaw and Bay counties, as well as parts of Genesee, Midland, and Tuscola counties—including the cities of Flint and Midland. The winner will go on to serve a two-year term in Congress. This election is particularly critical because it could help determine which party controls the US House, where Republicans hold a thin majority.

With Democratic US Rep. Dan Kildee retiring from the seat this year, the district has been rated as a “toss up” by the Cook Political Report—meaning it’ll likely be a tight race in November.

The outcome of the election could also go on to shape the future of federal policy on key issues that affect the day-to-day lives of millions of Michiganders—like access to affordable healthcare, job creation, reproductive rights, clean energy investments, and environmental protections.

Here’s a quick primer on the race, along with links to some other relevant news:

Kristen McDonald Rivet

McDonald Rivet was elected to her first term in the state Senate in 2022, becoming the first Democrat in over a decade (and the first woman ever) to represent the Great Lakes Bay region in the Michigan Senate. She previously worked as the executive director of Michigan Head Start, Association, which connects low-income families with free preschool offerings, as well as in leadership roles at nonprofit groups like Michigan Future Inc. and Greater Midland Inc.

In the state Senate, McDonald Rivet has focused on legislation to help families, workers, and children—including by spearheading the largest tax cut for working families in state history by expanding the state Working Families Tax Credit to 30% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, putting an average of $3,150 back into the pockets of more than 700,000 Michiganders.

“The work that I’ve done throughout my career really centers around Michigan families,” McDonald Rivet said during her campaign announcement this year. “As a mom of six, I really can relate to what that means when you start thinking about how much childcare costs.”

In addition to being an outspoken advocate for reproductive rights, McDonald Rivet also worked to pass a series of gun safety reforms in the wake of the shooting at Michigan State University—including voting in support of a bill that mandates guns be locked up around kids.

This year, McDonald Rivet also introduced a package of bills that aims to make childcare more affordable for families, as well as provide more support for childcare professionals statewide. 

And as a member of Congress, McDonald Rivet has said that she would also fight back against inflation and corporate greed, invest in childcare, work to bring more “high-wage jobs” to Michigan, and support policies to help lower the cost of groceries, housing, and healthcare.

So far, McDonald Rivet has been endorsed by Kildee, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and several other Democratic members of Congress who represent Michigan, among other groups. 

Paul Junge

Junge is a former prosecutor and TV news anchor who worked in citizenship and immigration at the US Department of Homeland Security under ex-President Donald Trump’s administration. He has also reportedly worked for his family business maintaining housing on military bases. 

After losing his Republican bid for the 8th Congressional District against US Rep. Elissa Slotkin in 2020, Junge also ran (and lost) against Kildee under newly redrawn district maps in 2022.

This now marks his third Congressional race.

In 2020, when asked about his stance on reproductive rights, Junge reportedly labeled himself as “pro-life,” telling reporters that he will “support life at all times” as a member of Congress. He has since stated that abortion should be regulated differently depending on the state.

Junge’s campaign website echoes many familiar MAGA talking points, including a commitment to “secure the border” and “build the wall,” as well as an “all of the above energy approach” that includes pumping oil through Line 5, an aging pipeline that’s beneath the Straits of Mackinac.

He also bills himself as a “strong supporter of the Second Amendment,” including a commitment to oppose any bills that would “infringe upon lawful gun ownership,” according to his website.

In addition to securing an endorsement from Trump earlier this summer, Junge’s campaign has also been endorsed by anti-abortion US Senate candidate and former US Rep. Mike Rogers, as well as US Rep. Tim Walberg, who has suggested that all gay people should be executed. 

More Coverage from The ‘Gander

US Reps. Dingell and Stevens endorse Michigan Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet for Congress

Michigan Dems introduce ‘Child Care for All’ legislation to lower costs for families

Michigan state lawmaker enters crowded US House race

New clean energy laws to cut utility bills for Michiganders

New Michigan law refocuses classrooms on student growth—not the highest test scores

Dems to stop Big Pharma from gouging Michiganders for drugs

Dems introduce plan to lower drug costs for Michiganders

‘Buy Michigan’ legislation could help Michigan companies win more state contracts

Whitmer signs historic new legislation to curb gun violence in Michigan

Michigan lawmakers approve $1B tax break for families and seniors

Michigan Senate advances bills to boost tax credit, repeal pension tax

How much are you saving under Michigan Dems’ new tax cuts?

After years of misogyny, racism and threats in Lansing, progressive women are in charge

Election stakes rise in Michigan as Kildee plans retirement

Check your voter registration status, see who is on your ballot, and make a voting plan.