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Tom Barrett weighing second bid for Michigan’s 7th district

Courtesy slotkin.house.gov

Former Republican state senator Tom Barrett is weighing a second run for Michigan’s 7th congressional District.

That’s after incumbent Democratic Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin announced she’s running for the U.S. Senate.

Sen. Barrett ran for the House of Representatives seat last year with a focus on lowering the cost of living. He lost to Rep. Slotkin lost by about five percent.

Slotkin’s departure leaves the seat open next year. That means the district will be more competitive without an incumbent in the race.

Jason Roe is a campaign strategist for Barrett. He says many community members are encouraging the Charlotte Republican to run for the seat again.

“the outpouring of support from business leaders, community leaders in the seventh district and in mid-Michigan is a very encouraging sign.” said Roe.

Roe says Barrett will decide whether he’ll run for the seat in the coming weeks.

Arjun Thakkar is WKAR's politics and civics reporter.