One potential candidate to succeed U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin to represent the 7th Congressional District has announced she will not pursue the seat.
Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum has been among one of the names of those Democrats who could run in 2024 for the seat currently held by Slotkin, who announced earlier this year she planned to run for U.S. Senate.
However, in an email to supporters on Thursday, Byrum said she instead planned to seek a 4th term as Ingham County Clerk.
“Throughout this process, I spoke to my family and friends, to my colleagues and constituents, and to current and former members of Congress for counsel and advice,” she said. “In my conversations with leaders in government, labor, and other interest groups, I believe that the support would have been there for me to RUN and WIN in this bid for Congress. However, I have seen how the Republicans at all levels have tried to undermine our American Democracy over the last three years and I know that our voters need passionate advocates here in Michigan to ensure that they continue to enjoy an unimpeded right to vote.”
Byrum said her priority would be to stand up for voters’ rights and against election misinformation and disinformation.
“Ingham County voters, and indeed all Michigan voters, deserve a persistent and consistent advocate and I will strive to continue to be just that,” she concluded.
The 7th District includes all of Ingham, Livingston, Clinton and Shiawassee Counties, as well as parts of Eaton, Oakland and Genesee Counties.
Other Democrats said to be considering a run for the seat include former state Senator Curtis Hertel (D-East Lansing), who now serves as legislative director for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer; state Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) and state Rep. Angela Witwer (D-Delta Twp.).
The only Republican who has announced a run is former state Sen. Tom Barrett (R-Charlotte), who ran for the seat in 2022, but lost to Slotkin.
