Republican Tom Barrett Flips Michigan Seat Held by Rep. Elissa Slotkin

SUMMARY

Republican Tom Barrett has secured the Michigan House seat previously held by Democrat Elissa Slotkin, delivering a crucial win for the GOP in their effort to maintain control of the House. Barrett won with 50.3% of the vote, while his Democratic opponent, Curtis Hertel Jr., finished with 46.5%, according to the Associated Press, which called the race with nearly all votes counted. This seat flip was a major GOP target, with Republicans focusing on Michigan’s 7th Congressional District as a key battleground in a larger strategy to fortify their House majority. Barrett, a U.S. Army veteran who served two tours in Iraq and a former member of Michigan’s state legislature, centered his campaign on themes of economic revival, veterans’ issues, and conservative values. Barrett had consistently highlighted his military service as a testament to his leadership and commitment, contrasting this with what he called the Democratic Party’s “out-of-touch” policies.