SAGINAW, MI — Democrat Kristen McDonald Rivet has secured Michigan’s 8th Congressional District seat, a critical win that allows Democrats to retain control of the district following the retirement of longtime Congressman Dan Kildee. The Associated Press called the race at 6:09 a.m. EST on Wednesday, confirming McDonald Rivet’s victory over Republican challenger Paul Junge with 99% of votes counted.
McDonald Rivet, who currently serves in Michigan’s state Senate representing a competitive district that includes Bay, Genesee, Flint, Midland, Saginaw, and Tuscola Counties, won with 51.3% of the vote (217,390 votes) to Junge’s 44.6% (189,238 votes). Her win follows a campaign that focused on addressing economic issues, supporting working families, and building a strong coalition across mid-Michigan.
McDonald Rivet celebrated the win among hundreds of supporters gathered at U.A. Local 85’s hall in Saginaw, where she was joined by union members, business owners, educators, law enforcement, and community leaders. Reflecting on the journey to her victory, she expressed gratitude for the broad support and highlighted her plans for Congress.
“I am honored by the trust of our neighbors to represent mid-Michigan in the U.S. House,” McDonald Rivet told the crowd. “We won this race with a broad and energized coalition, and I am grateful to the tens of thousands of people who voted, volunteered, and donated. We showed that even amidst negativity and attack ads, we can come together as a community with a positive vision for our region.”
Her opponent, Paul Junge, a former official with U.S. Customs and Immigration Services during the Trump administration, previously ran unsuccessfully against Kildee in 2022. McDonald Rivet’s win underscores a commitment from voters to maintain a Democratic presence in the district, despite challenges in a closely contested area.
