Michigan State Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet Joins U.S. House Race

Her campaign could impact Democrats' control of the state Senate, as they fight to gain majority in the House.

Michigan state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet has entered the race for a U.S. House seat, becoming the fifth candidate in a competitive race that Democrats are being forced to defend without an incumbent due to U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee’s retirement.
The Democrats need to gain at least five seats to win a majority control of the U.S. House, making the defense of this seat crucial.
The district, which has been recently redrawn, extends northward from the outskirts of Detroit, covering areas such as Flint, Saginaw and Midland.
McDonald Rivet, who is one year into her first four-year term in the Michigan Senate, plans to introduce a large package of bills aimed at making childcare more accessible and affordable.
If McDonald Rivet's campaign is successful, it could set up a tough race in one of the state’s most competitive districts as her exit from the state Senate could affect the Democrats' two-seat margin control.