Sen. Coleman Young of Detroit to seek congressional seat vacated by John Conyers

State Sen. Coleman Young, who recently lost a bid to replace Mike Duggan as mayor of Detroit, announced Friday he will run for the congressional seat vacated by U.S. Rep. John Conyers.

"Sen. Young thanks John Conyers for his 53 years of service," said political consultant Adolph Mongo, Young's campaign manager.

"He served the people of the city well and is a true champion of social justice and civil rights. But, now, people are asking the senator to run for his seat. It makes sense."

Conyers was the longest-serving current member of Congress when he announced his retirement and resigned this week, citing ill health in the wake of several sexual harassment allegations by former employees.

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Several Democratic candidates are expected to vie to replace Conyers, including his great nephew, state Sen. Ian Conyers, D-Detroit.

Young, D-Detroit, 35, can't seek another four-year term in the Senate when his current term expires at the end of 2018. He began his political career in the state House in 2006.

Young, the son of the late Detroit Mayor Coleman A. Young, has scheduled a Monday news conference in Detroit.

Contact Paul Egan: 517-372-8660 or pegan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @paulegan4.