Paul Junge wins the Republican Party primary in Michigan’s 8th Congressional District.
Paul Junge emerged victorious in the GOP primary for Michigan’s 8th Congressional District, clinching the Republican nomination and setting his sights on succeeding the retiring Democrat Rep. Dan Kildee. With a commanding 73% of the vote, Junge bested his opponents Mary Draves and Anthony Hudson, prompting the Associated Press to call the race in his favor.
Junge, a former Department of Homeland Security official under the Trump administration and investigative counsel for Senate Judiciary Committee chair Sen. Chuck Grassley, had previously run unsuccessfully for the same congressional seat on two occasions. This time around, his campaign focused on combating inflation and addressing the pressing issues surrounding the country’s southern border, including the opioid crisis that has deeply impacted communities.
Expressing his priorities, Junge stated, “Stopping the rising cost of goods and improving the economy for working families is a top priority for my campaign. Equally important, I will fight to stop the flow of illegal immigrants and poisonous synthetic opioids across our southern border, which are devastating forgotten communities across our state and across our country.”
On the other hand, Mary Draves, who operates an auto repair business alongside her husband, advocated for energy independence and reinforced border security during her campaign. She emphasized the importance of energy self-sufficiency, citing the period when the United States achieved energy independence during the Trump administration and how it positively impacted the economy.
“The number one thing we need to do is stop the influx of illegal immigrants coming into this country and the flow of fentanyl over our border. A strong America is a safe America and a prosperous America,” Draves asserted in her campaign message.
Anthony Hudson, a native of Texas and Army veteran, made his second bid for the 8th Congressional District seat, positioning himself as an average American citizen determined to steer the country in a positive direction. His campaign was centered around bolstering border security, creating job opportunities, and opposing the involvement of Chinese companies in Michigan—a stance he directly attributed to Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Looking ahead, Junge is now set to face the winner of the Democratic primary, where three candidates are vying for the chance to fill Kildee’s soon-to-be vacated seat. With Kildee’s decision not to seek re-election after representing Michigan’s 8th Congressional District since 2012, the race to succeed him has intensified.
As Michigan’s political landscape evolves with each passing primary, the eagerness to witness how these candidates’ visions will unfold only grows stronger. The race for Michigan’s 8th Congressional District will undoubtedly be one to watch, with pivotal issues such as economic stability, border security, and community welfare at the forefront of the contenders’ agendas.
