LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Lansing Mayor Andy Schor announced Thursday that he is formally exploring a run for U.S. Congress.
Schor said Thursday he has taken the steps to form a Congressional Exploratory Committee to look into a run for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, a seat currently held by Rep. Elissa Slotkin.
“I’m going to explore it. I’m going to take a look and see can I raise the money, am I the right candidate and are people supportive,” Mayor Schor said.
In February, Slotkin formally announced she is running for Michigan’s U.S. Senate seat, which will be opening up because Sen. Debbie Stabenow is retiring.
“Congresswoman Slotkin has been fantastic for us here in the 7th congressional district. She is leaving to go run for the US Senate. I’m really excited for her,” Schor said.
The 7th District is made up of Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Shiawassee, and Livingston counties, along with some portions of Oakland and Genesee Counties.
“I have heard from so many people from across mid-Michigan recently asking me to consider a run for Congress. After talking to my wife and kids, I have decided to take this initial step of forming an exploratory committee in order to raise the resources and build the kind of campaign required for a competitive congressional race,” Schor stated. “I look forward to talking with people from across mid-Michigan on the needs of our communities and the best way our next Representative in Washington can help.”
By taking the step of forming the exploratory committee, Schor can now raise funds.
“I believe that the 7th Congressional District needs a consensus-builder who can work across the aisle with both parties to get things done for Mid-Michigan. Job creation has been booming, unemployment is at its lowest level in 50 years, the bipartisan infrastructure act is helping communities across the nation, and manufacturing is being revitalized,” Schor continued. “I want to take a close, hard look at this seat to determine if I’m the right person that could win and keep getting results for mid-Michigan.”
And despite receiving backlash from current lawmakers, Schor said he’s staying focused on his agenda.
“I’m not even a candidate. I’m exploring it and I’m already getting attacked by the national republican party and by the speaker of the house, Kevin McCarthy. I’m a centrist that works with people to get things done and I want to talk to folks to see if that’s what they want.”
Former Republican State Senator Tom Barrett, who ran for the seat in 2022, is strongly considering running again. Kyle Melinn of the Michigan Information Research Service said democrats including Ingham Country Clerk Barb Byrum, Former State Senator Curtis Hertel, State Representative Angela Witwer, and Senator Sarah Anthony may consider joining the race.
