FLINT, MI – Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet was officially sworn in as the new representative for Michigan’s 8th Congressional District during a ceremony held in a federal courtroom in Flint on Monday. This marks a significant moment for the region, as McDonald Rivet takes over the seat previously held by longtime Congressman Dan Kildee, who decided not to run for re-election in 2024.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by a large crowd of community members, elected officials, and dignitaries from across Mid-Michigan. Genesee County Prosecuting Attorney David Leyton introduced McDonald Rivet, highlighting her background as a lifelong Michigander and her commitment to fighting for working families.
United States District Court Judge Hon. Shalina Kumar, who was nominated by President Biden in 2021, administered the oath of office to the new congresswoman.
In her remarks, McDonald Rivet expressed gratitude to the community and emphasized her focus on issues important to the region, such as lowering costs, creating good-paying jobs, and keeping neighborhoods safe.
“The reality in our region is that things are getting increasingly hard, with prices rising much faster than wages over the past 15 years,” McDonald Rivet said. “In Washington, I am going to be laser-focused on making things just a little bit easier.”
She did not address her recent vote in support of the Laken Riley Act, which mandates the detention of undocumented immigrants arrested for theft or violent crimes while awaiting trial. However, she did emphasize her recent achievements, including securing committee assignments on the Agriculture Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, as well as a leadership position with the New Democratic Coalition, a group of moderate, problem-solving lawmakers in the House.
As McDonald Rivet concluded her remarks, she expressed her commitment to serving the people of Mid-Michigan and working with community leaders to achieve common goals.
“I’m honored to take this oath with all of you by my side and to serve our amazing region in Congress,” she said. “I’m excited to work with each and every one of you to move our agenda for the working people of Mid-Michigan. God bless you. Let’s get to work.”
