The American flag flies in front of the capitol dome is seen at sunset on Capitol Hill, Friday, Nov. 18, 2016 in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Midterm elections are coming this year

By Lauren Gibbons

Update: Get the most up-to-date information on who’s running for Michigan’s congressional districts here.

Note: This article was updated July 27, 2018 to reflect the final list of candidates running for Congress ahead of the Aug. 7 primary.

With three open Congressional seats and several competitive primary races throughout the state, 2018 promises to be an interesting election year in Michigan politics.

Southeast Michigan voters in the 9th and 11th Congressional districts will be tasked with replacing soon-to-retire Reps. Sandy Levin, D-Royal Oak, and Dave Trott, R-Birmingham.

In the 13th District, a special election to replace former Rep. John Conyers after he resigned abruptly in the midst of sexual harassment allegations is scheduled to run concurrently with the already scheduled 2018 election.

Incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow will also face a challenge from two Republicans running against her.

Information on all state and federal races and many of Michigan's county and local races are now available on MLive via Vote411.org - the election-information website run by the League of Women Voters. Here's more information about the people running for Congress this year in Michigan.

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The Capitol is seen from the Russell Senate Office Building as Congress returns from a district work week, in WashingtonMonday, March 24, 2014. The Senate plans a procedural vote on bipartisan Ukraine aid bill today, with final passage expected later in week. President Barack Obama delved into a day of delicate diplomacy in Europe Monday as he sought to rally the international community around efforts to isolate Russia following its incursion into Ukraine. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

U.S. Senate

In the U.S. Senate race, the seat is Democratic incumbent Debbie Stabenow's to lose.

Stabenow was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2000 after defeating one-term senator Spence Abraham and fended off Republican challenges to her seat in 2006 and 2012.

Two Republicans are campaigning to replace Stabenow: Detroit businessman John James and Grosse Pointe businessman and economist Sandy Pensler.

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Sen. Debbie Stabenow tours the Kent Career Tech Center in Grand Rapids on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017. She attended a roundtable meeting with educators and business leaders before the tour. (Neil Blake | MLive.com)

Sen. Debbie Stabenow - Democratic incumbent

Stabenow was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2000, but she was active in politics for many years prior to that - she served in the U.S. House representing the 8th Congressional District, and was previously in the state Legislature.

Stabenow is Michigan's first female U.S. Senator, and served as chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee from 2011 to 2015, during which time she led efforts to pass the Farm Bill in 2014.

In 2006, Stabenow earned 56.91 percent of the vote with about 2.1 million votes to Michael Bouchard's 41.26 percent of the vote, about 1.5 million votes.

Stabenow won the 2012 election with 58 percent of the vote and more than 2.7 million votes statewide, compared to former Congressman Pete Hoekstra's 37 percent of the vote and 1.76 million votes.

Stabenow's campaign reported having nearly $7 million in the bank as of the third quarter of 2017.

See Stabenow's campaign website here, and her U.S. Senate website here.

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Republican U.S. Senate candidate John James. Lauren Gibbons | lgibbon2@mlive.com

John James - Republican

Detroit businessman and veteran John James announced his run for the U.S. Senate Republican primary in September.

A 2004 graduate of West Point, James was a U.S. Army captain who served during the Iraq War, leading two platoons of Apache helicopters.

After eight years in the Army, James returned to Michigan to work in the family business, James Group International, which works in supply-chain management. James is president of the company, which was founded by his father.

James has billed himself throughout the campaign so far as a "conservative outsider" who would draw on his experience as a veteran and business leader to help push conservative values in Washington.

Visit James' campaign website here.

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Republican businessman and U.S. Senate candidate Sandy Pensler. Lauren Gibbons | lgibbon2@mlive.com

Sandy Pensler - Republican

Grosse Pointe businessman Sandy Pensler, who also has experience in economics and law, formally announced his candidacy for the Senate seat in November 2017.

Pensler is the founder of Pensler Capital and has experience starting and maintaining businesses, particularly in the manufacturing industry. He's said his experience with turning around failing companies and working as an economist could give him a unique edge in the Senate race.

Prior to his work in the business world as a financial advisor and investor, Pensler clerked at the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals for Judge Patrick Higginbotham. He's also taught courses in economics at Yale University.

Visit his campaign website here.

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1st Congressional District

U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, is currently serving his first term in office after taking over for former Rep. Dan Benishek. He won a competitive Republican primary in 2016 and defeated Democrat Lon Johnson in the general election.

No other Republicans have filed to challenge Bergman in 2018. One Democrat, Matt Morgan, is running as a write-in candidate after failing to qualify for the primary due to an error in his petition forms.

The first Congressional District is made up of the Upper Peninsula and much of Northern Michigan.

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Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, is currently serving his first term as Congressman for the 1st District. (Courtesy Jack Bergman campaign)

Rep. Jack Bergman - Republican incumbent

Bergman is a retired Marine lieutenant general and businessman who owns a home in Watersmeet. He’s worked at military posts throughout the country and also served as a naval aviator.

During the 2016 election, Bergman defeated two seasoned state lawmakers in the Republican primary while running as an "outsider" candidate, promising his military experience and business acumen would assist him in Congress.

Since arriving in Washington, Bergman has cosponsored several bills on improving veterans care and has worked to drum up support to update the Soo Locks. He recently sponsored legislation to allow the state of Michigan and other states to reinstate cormorant control efforts, and supported the tax overhaul recently passed through Congress.

Bergman sits on the budget, natural resources and veterans' affairs committees in the House.

See Bergman's campaign website here, and his U.S. House website here.

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1st Congressional District candidate Matt Morgan. (Photo courtesy Matt Morgan campaign)

Matthew Morgan - Write in candidate

Matthew Morgan, of Traverse City, is a retired Marine Corps officer who served two tours in the Iraq War, and has worked in the television and film industry since he retired from the military.

His run in the 1st Congressional District's is his first foray into politics. When he turned in signatures to qualify for the Democratic primary ballot, only 17 signatures were valid because his nominating petitions listed a post office box number instead of Morgan's home address.

Morgan is running a write-in campaign in an attempt to qualify for a spot on the November ballot.

If elected, Morgan plans to focus on improving wages and job opportunities for skilled workers, increasing investments in career technical and pre-K education, making healthcare accessible for all and improving infrastructure.

See Morgan's website here.

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2nd Congressional District

Michigan’s 2nd Congressional District, which covers Ottawa, Muskegon, Oceana, Lake and Newaygo counties as well as parts of Mason, Allegan and Kent counties, has been represented by U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga since he was first elected in 2011.

Huizenga won his last election in the heavily Republican district with more than 60 percent of the vote. This year, one Democrat, Rob Davidson, will be running against him in the general election.

Learn more about candidates in the 2nd Congressional District here.

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U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga gets some flying instructions from Stormy Boudreaux of Lockheed Martin before flying the interactive cockpit demonstrator at Woodward, Inc. in Zeeland on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2017. Woodward makes some of the parts for the aircraft. (Neil Blake | MLive.com)

Rep. Bill Huizenga - Republican incumbent

Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland Twp., was first elected to Congress in 2010. Prior to his time in Washington, Huizenga served as a state representative and was also an aide to former U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra.

Huizenga currently sits on the Financial Services Committee. This session, he's worked to reduce government regulations on businesses, including getting legislation passed to roll back a Securities and Exchange Commission requirement for energy companies.

Huizenga supported efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, which passed the House but ultimately fell through in the Senate, and voted for the 2017 tax plan supported by a majority of Republicans. He co-chairs the Great Lakes Task Force and is a supporter of continuing funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

Huizenga also openly supported President Donald Trump during the 2016 campaign cycle, and spoke at some of Trump’s West Michigan appearances.

Visit Huizenga's campaign website here, and his U.S. House website here.

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Dr. Robert Davidson asks Congressman Bill Huizenga his stance on health care during a town hall event at the Lakeshore Middle School auditorium in Grand Haven on Monday, March 6, 2017. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)

Robert Davidson - Democrat

Robert Davidson is an emergency room doctor with two decades of experience in medical practice. A longtime critic of Huizinga’s policies, Davidson has shown up during town hall events and health care rallies throughout West Michigan to oppose Huizenga’s policies and his support of President Donald Trump. He’s also a member of the Spring Lake School Board.

When announcing his campaign, Davidson said he'd be an independent voice for West Michigan families and stand up to lobbyist and special interests. He's a supporter of creating a health care program similar to Medicare for All proposals submitted by progressives in Congress and also wants to reduce income inequality by raising the minimum wage and changing tax structure to better benefit the middle class.

Visit his website here.

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3rd Congressional District

The 3rd Congressional District stretches from Albion in the south to Sand Lake in the north and includes all or portions of Barry, Calhoun, Ionia, Kent and Montcalm counties.

It’s been a Republican stronghold for decades, and has been represented by U.S. Rep. Justin Amash, R-Cascade Twp., since 2010.

Two Democrats and an independent are hoping to run against him.

Learn more about candidates in the 3rd Congressional District here.

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U.S. Rep. Justin Amash speaks during a town hall meeting at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017. (Mike Clark | MLive.com)

Rep. Justin Amash - incumbent Republican

First elected to serve the 3rd Congressional District in 2010, Amash has gained a reputation for his independence in Congress, often disagreeing with members of his own party on policy issues such as health care, immigration and spending legislation. Prior to his election, he was a member of the Michigan House of Representatives.

"I'll always stand up for my constituents - I will always stand up for everyone I represent, regardless of party," Amash said in a previous interview with MLive. "I'm willing to challenge anyone in government when they are proposing things that I think don't serve the interests of people I represent."

Amash serves on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee and is a member of the Congressional Freedom Caucus.

In the past, he's faced primary challenges based on his voting record, and a Trump aide called for a primary challenge in the 3rd District on Twitter in early 2017, to which Amash responded, "Bring it on."

Visit Amash's campaign website here, and his U.S. House website here.

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Cathy Albro - Democrat

West Michigan Democrat Cathy Albro has held various posts in the education field and got into the race because she wants a government that "is transparent, honest and works together to get things done."

On her campaign website, Albro states she wants to get off the path of divisiveness and intolerance and move towards a more caring and collaborative approach to politics. She supports universal health care, quality education and a “vibrant, inclusive economy.”

Visit Albro's website here.

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Fred Wooden, Senior Minister of Fountain St. Church collects signs after the vigil hosted by All Souls Community Church at Rosa Parks Circle in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, Feb. 1, 2017. (Daytona Niles | MLive.com)

Fred Wooden - Democrat

Rev. Fred Wooden is a Grand Rapids pastor who entered the race in October. Wooden, who has served as senior minister of Fountain Street Church since 2005, said in a statement when announcing his run that he wants "to do my duty to my country at a time when the wisdom and experience of working with all races and classes and religions is sorely needed in what seems a deeply divided nation.

Wooden has been active with the Grand Rapids Urban League for a decade, serving as its chair between 2009 and 2013. He has also served as a member of the West Michigan ACLU Advisory Board, on the board of the Interfaith Dialogue Association and Opera Grand Rapids. He has been a contributor to the Grand Rapids Press Religion and Ethics panel since its inception, and hosted "Faith & Reason" on WPRR radio for several years.

Visit his website here.

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Douglas Smith - Independent

Douglas Smith, who ran against Amash in 2016 on the Democratic ticket and got 39.5 percent of the vote to Amash's 59.5 percent, is running again in 2018 as an independent candidate. Smith is campaigning on government transparency, creating jobs by modernizing the country's energy system and combating climate change and revamping U.S. infrastructure. See his website here.

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4th Congressional District

The 4th District covers 15 counties in central and northern Michigan, reaching from Lansing suburbs to Cadillac and including a portion of Saginaw County.

Republican Rep. John Moolenaar was first elected to the seat in 2014 and easily won reelection in 2016 after his first term in office.

Two Democrats are on the primary ballot for the chance to run against him.

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Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Mich., listens to a question being asked at his 29th Listening Session at the Plachta Auditorium at Central Michigan University on Thursday, April 20, 2017. Heather Khalifa | MLive.com

Rep. John Moolenaar - Republican incumbent

Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Midland, was first elected to the U.S. House in 2014. He previously served four years in the Michigan Senate, six in the Michigan House of Representatives and was a member of Midland City Council prior to that. Prior to his political career, he was a chemist at Dow Chemical.

Moolenaar was named to the House Appropriations Committee, where he works on budget and spending issues. He's the only member of the Michigan Congressional delegation on the committee. He was an outspoken supporter of the tax legislation that recently went through Congress and has also worked to secure funding for the Great Lakes.

Visit Moolenaar's campaign website here and his U.S. House website here.

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Democrats running

Jerry Hilliard was a teacher in several public schools and community colleges before his run for the 4th Congressional District. On his website, he states that some of his top priorities are Medicare for all and using 4th District's resources in a better way to bring more prosperity to its residents. Visit his website here.

Zigmond Kozicki is an associate professor who is focused on protecting Medicare and Social Security funding and preventing the closure of at-risk U.S. hospitals. He also wants to develop a water center in Michigan focused on protecting drinking water and developing water-based economic growth. Visit his Facebook campaign page here.

Learn more about all three candidates here.

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5th Congressional District

Michigan’s 5th Congressional District consists of Arenac, Bay, Genesee, and Iosco counties and parts of Saginaw and Tuscola counties. U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee was first elected to the Democratic leaning district in 2012, taking over for his uncle, retiring Rep. Dale Kildee.

One Republican has filed to run in the 5th Congressional District. Read more about the candidates here.

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U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint Twp., exits the 76th Annual Old Timers Children's Celebration Picnic at First Ward Community Center, 1410 N. 12th St. in Saginaw on Aug. 10, 2017. Jacob Hamilton | MLive

Rep. Dan Kildee - Incumbent Democrat

U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee was first elected in 2012 and rose to prominence in Michigan and national politics following the Flint water crisis, where he advocated for additional state and federal assistance for residents of Flint who were impacted.

Kildee is currently a member of the House Financial Services Committee and has worked to implement tougher transparency rules, strengthen the Lead and Copper Rule and send federal funding to local communities for improving neighborhoods and fighting crime. He was a vocal opponent of efforts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act and believes opposing the stated policy goals of President Donald Trump is a top priority.

Kildee briefly considered a run for governor, but decided to run for reelection in part because of the Congressional votes on repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act in early 2017.

Visit Kildee's campaign website here, and his U.S. House website here.

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Travis Wines - Republican

According to his website, Travis Wines is a U.S. Navy veteran who now works at the Genesee County Drain Commission water treatment plant. His top priorities are giving every member of the district the opportunity to work for a livable wage, lowering costs of education and using his experience working at water treatment plants to ensure the Flint water crisis never happens again.

Visit Wines' website here.

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6th Congressional District

6th Congressional District voters are familiar with U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, who has served in Congress for decades. His recent votes on health care and other issues have prompted several Democrats in the 6th to run, making for a competitive Democratic primary.

The 6th District includes the counties of Kalamazoo, Van Buren, Cass, St. Joseph, Berrien, and most of Allegan.

In the November 2016 election, Upton took 59 percent of the vote, defeating Democrat Paul Clements and Libertarian Lorence Wenke.

Read more about the candidates here.

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U.S. Representative Fred Upton speaks in Miller Auditorium during a celebration marking the retirement of President John M. Dunn on campus on Friday, April 7, 2017. (Jake Green | MLive.com)

Rep. Fred Upton - Republican incumbent

Upton, R-St. Joseph, was first elected to Congress in 1986 and is known as a moderate conservative who can work with both Republicans and Democrats.

Upton is the former chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and continues to serve on the committee. In 2016, Upton was a key co-sponsor of the 21st Century Cures Act, which focuses on advancing research for disease treatment and cures. He’s also supported Great Lakes restoration and tax reform.

Upton was a key figure in the House's debate over repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, initially coming out against the House plan as proposed, but supporting the end result after introducing an amendment. After Senate health care talks stalled, Upton joined the "Problem Solvers Caucus" to look for alternative health care solutions.

Upton considered a run for U.S. Senate, but opted to run for re-election in his district instead.

Visit Upton's campaign website here, and his U.S. House website here.

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Kalamazoo Democrat David Benac, a professor of history, announced his intention to run against Upton for Michigan' 6th Congressional District this week. Upton, 64, has represented the district for 16 terms since 1986. (Courtesy | David Benac)

David Benac - Democrat

David Benac, of Kalamazoo, is a history professor at Western Michigan University. He decided to enter the race in part because he believes "Upton's reign is over," and criticized his decision to support he final version of the House repeal and replace plan for the Affordable Care Act.

Benac grew up in Alpena and earned a bachelor's degree in history at Michigan State University before completing his PhD at the University of Missouri. In 2013 joined the history department at WMU.

Since then, Benac has been active in various community organizations and governmental boards. He was a delegate for U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders to the Platform Committee of the Democratic National Committee.

He serves on the Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Council, helped form Organize West Michigan, became co-chair of the Environmental Task Force of ProKzoo, joined the steering committee for the Kalamazoo Complete Streets Initiative, co-chaired the Kalamazoo Earth Day Festival and won election to vice chair of the Michigan Democratic Party Environment Caucus.

According to Benac's campaign website, he is running to expand Medicare, prevent states from blocking women's right to abortion, protect the environment and increase treatment options for people with mental health issues.

Visit Benac's website here.

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Rich Eichholz - Democrat

Rich Eichholz, of New Buffalo Township, is CEO of Qmulus LLC, a start-up which commercializes technology for electric vehicle charging. Eichholz, 69, has a PhD in biology and has spent much of his career in the healthcare field.

When announcing his campaign, Eichholz said he believes the Southwest Michigan economy has ground to a halt under Upton's watch and said he has the leadership experience to help revamp the economy.

If elected, Eichholz said would focus on growing the renewable energy industry. It’s Eichholz’s first official foray into politics, although he helped fundraise for former President Barack Obama’s campaign in 2012.

Visit Eichholz's website here.

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George Franklin(

Courtesy | Fran Dwight

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George Franklin - Democrat

Democrat George Franklin, a former vice president of government relations for Kellogg, said in his campaign announcement that he's not a career politician, but wants to keep making a difference in Southwest Michigan.

Franklin is a former member of Western Michigan University's Board of Trustees and is president of Franklin Public Affairs LLC, a government relations firm established in April 2005.

He was a member of the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is a member of the advisory board of the Levin Center at Wayne State University Law School.

Franklin's policy platforms include fostering job creation, making safer workplace environments, ensuring communities have clean drinking water and guaranteeing access to affordable health care.

Franklin earned endorsements from former Gov. Jim Blanchard and former U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer.

Visit his campaign website here.

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Matt Longjohn - Democrat

Dr. Matt Longjohn, of Portage, is a physician and former National Health Officer for the YMCA.

He launched his campaign because he wants to hold U.S. Rep. Fred Upton "accountable" for his support of the American Health Care Act after negotiating an amendment that won his approval of the Republican-backed package.

The first-time candidate has said his expertise helped educate lawmakers on policy decisions in more than a dozen states.

Earlier in his career, Longjohn led a coalition in Chicago which helped inform then-First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" campaign and inspired the creation of Healthy Kids Healthy Michigan.

Longjohn believes money saved through healthcare reform can be reinvested in education, the environment and other areas that impact overall quality of life.

Visit Longjohn's website here.

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7th Congressional District

Michigan’s 7th Congressional District 2018 election cycle is looking similar to the 2016 election, with both incumbent Tim Walberg and Democratic challenger Gretchen Driskell in the race. In 2016, Walberg won 55.1 percent of the vote to Driskell’s 40 percent.

Another Democrat, Steven Friday, is also running in the 7th for the 2018 cycle.

The 7th District includes all of Monroe, Lenawee, Hillsdale, Branch, Jackson and Eaton counties, as well as western Washtenaw.

Read more about the candidates in the 7th Congressional District here.

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U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg speaks as he holds a town hall meeting in the Jackson County Tower building on Thursday, May 11, 2017. (J. Scott Park | Mlive.com)

Rep. Tim Walberg - Republican incumbent

U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, served a term in Congress between 2007-2009 and was elected to the post again in the 2010 election after a rematch with former U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer, who defeated him in November 2008.

Walberg serves on the House Education and the Workforce Committee and the Energy and Commerce Committee. Six of his bills passed the House in 2017, one of which - a bill closing a loophole on retirement regulations - was signed by President Donald Trump.

He’s been outspoken on the opioid epidemic and was a supporter of repeal and replace efforts that passed through the U.S. House, as well as the Republican-sponsored tax plan.

Visit Walberg's campaign website here, and his U.S. House website here.

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Gretchen Driskell, a candidate for Michigan's 7th Congressional District seat, addresses supporters during an election night party on Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at the Comfort Inn Conference Center in Chelsea. Katy Kildee | MLive.com

Gretchen Driskell - Democrat

Democrat Gretchen Driskell, of Saline, first ran against Walberg for the 7th Congressional seat in 2016. She's trying again in 2018 because Walberg's support of repealing the Affordable Care Act "shows that he's not listening to Michiganders," according to her campaign announcement.

Driskell is a real estate agent by training and has experience in local and state politics, serving 14 years as mayor of Saline and two years as a state representative.

Driskell’s campaign platform includes support for investments in small businesses, job market diversification, public education, vocational training and apprenticeships.

Visit Driskell's campaign website here.

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Steven Friday - Democrat

Steven Friday, of Dexter, filed to run in part because too many people are struggling to survive in the current system plagued by wealth and income inequality, according to his campaign announcement.

Friday is a grassroots activist, an Air Force veteran and a social worker. His campaign platform includes health care for all, addressing income inequality, ending discrimination, stopping the war on drugs and fighting for unions, according to his website.

Visit his campaign website here.

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8th Congressional District

The 8th Congressional District, currently represented by U.S. Rep. Mike Bishop, covers Ingham and Livingston Counties as well as a portion of Oakland County.

Bishop has held the seat since he was first elected in 2014 and defeated Macomb County assistant prosecutor Suzanna Shkreli in 2016 by nearly 17 percentage points in the 2016 election.

Two Democrats are running in the 8th Congressional District primary in 2018, and another Republican is challenging Bishop in the primary. Read more about the candidates here.

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MLive file photo

Rep. Mike Bishop - Republican incumbent

U.S. Rep. Mike Bishop, R-Rochester, was first elected in 2014 to replace retiring incumbent Mike Rogers.

As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Bishop was an influential voice in tax reform discussions in Congress and supported the final legislation.

He also supported efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act and has been a vocal advocate for those affected by the fungal meningitis outbreak of 2012.

Prior to his time in Congress, Bishop was the state Senate Majority Leader in the Michigan Legislature.

Visit Bishop's campaign website here, and his U.S. House website here.

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Lokesh Kumar - Republican

Lokesh Kumar is a businessman based in Lansing running as a Republican in the 8th Congressional District race. He says on his website that some of his his top priorities are fixing the roads, renegotiating NAFTA, reducing the income tax and federal budget deficit and making schools safer, stronger and more effective.

Visit his website here.

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Elissa Slotkin - Democrat

Elissa Slotkin, of Holly, served three tours in Iraq with the CIA before holding several positions with the U.S. State Department and the Department of Defense.

Slotkin most recently served as a top adviser to two Secretaries of Defense on the Middle East, Europe and NATO, Russia, Africa, and the Western Hemisphere. She recently moved back to her family's farm in Holly after 15 years holding several intelligence and national defense posts during the administrations of Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

Slotkin said she hopes to direct her years of nonpartisan public service experience at the federal level towards issues facing the 8th District by running for Congress, and said economic and healthcare issues will be a key focus of her campaign.

Visit her campaign website here.

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Lauren Gibbons | lgibbon2@mlive.com

Christopher Smith - Democrat

Chris Smith is also running as a Democrat in the 8th District and teaches classes on public policy and law at Michigan State University’s School of Criminal Justice.

Smith supports universal single payer health care, investments in infrastructure, combating climate change and promoting equality for women, minorities and members of the LGBTQ community, according to his website. Smith also supports a path to citizenship for DACA recipients.

Visit his website here.

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Brian Ellison - Libertarian

Libertarian Brian Ellison previously launched a bid for U.S. Senate, but eventually chose to set his sights on the 8th Congressional District.

His campaign made waves when he began an effort to give guns to homeless people.

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9th Congressional District

Three Democrats and one Republican filed for the Democratic-leaning 9th Congressional District's 2018 election, which will be open following Rep. Sandy Levin's retirement announcement.

The 9th Congressional District is in Southeast Michigan and is made up of portions of Macomb and Oakland counties.

Read more about the candidates here.

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Martin Brook - Democrat

Democrat Martin Brook is an attorney with experience in labor and employment law, as well as human resources.

He's previously served on the Bloomfield Hill School Board, and if elected says he would focus on bringing new ideas and approaches to solving issues. He hopes to fix labor and employment laws to create better paying jobs and level the playing field for all workers, according to his website.

Visit Brook's campaign website here.

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Andy Levin (Courtesy Andy Levin campaign)

Andy Levin - Democrat

Democrat Andy Levin, son of sitting U.S. Rep. Sandy Levin, is the former head of the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth.

Andy Levin, of Bloomfield Twp., is the founder of a clean energy business and directed worker training as part of his role with the state of Michigan under former Gov. Jennifer Granholm. He created the No Worker Left Behind program, which reportedly provided training to 152,000 Michigan residents.

Levin has also been active in the human rights movement around the world, working in countries such as South Africa, Tibet, Haiti and China.

In a statement announcing his run, the younger Levin said it's time to end the politics of division in Congress.

"After 60 years of Republican divide-and-conquer politics and 40 years of trickle-down economics where wealth has in fact rushed to the top, it is time to unite around policies that raise living standards for working people," Levin said. "We need a new movement focused on creating good jobs, education and training, protecting our air and water, and restoring faith in our government."

Visit Andy Levin's campaign website here.

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Ellen Lipton (Courtesy Ellen Lipton campaign)

Ellen Lipton - Democrat

Former state Rep. Ellen Lipton, of Huntington Woods, served three terms in the state House and lost in the Democratic primary for the 11th District state Senate seat in 2014. She said in her campaign announcement that she is running in the 9th Congressional District to fight against the policy goals of President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos.

"I've taken on Betsy DeVos to fight for public education and I'll do it again," Lipton said in a statement. "With my background in education, science, and the law I'll take on Donald Trump and the special interests who put the well-being of corporations before families trying to make ends meet."

Lipton is a founding member and president of the Michigan Promise Zone Association and worked as a patent attorney specializing in medicine and technology prior to her legislative career.

Visit her campaign website here.

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Candius Stearns - Republican

Candius Stearns, a Republican, is a small business owner and former benefit consultant. She has held positions as an Executive Committee member of the Macomb County GOP and the treasurer position in the 9th GOP district.

Stearns' campaign platforms include promoting skilled and technical trades, lowering government spending and enforcing existing immigration laws.

Visit her website here.

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10th Congressional District

Michigan's Republican-leaning 10th Congressional District is made up of Huron, Lapeer, St. Clair and Sanilac counties, as well as parts of Macomb and Tuscola counties.

U.S. Rep. Paul Mitchell was the victor in the 2016 election after surviving a competitive Republican primary.

Read more about the 10th Congressional district candidates here.

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MLive file photo

U.S. Rep. Paul Mitchell - Republican incumbent

U.S. Rep. Paul Mitchell, R-Dryden, is currently serving his first term in Congress after winning election in 2016.

Mitchell currently serves on the House Education and the Workforce, Oversight and Government Reform and the Transportation and Infrastructure committees. He supported the Republican-sponsored tax package and efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.

Prior to his election to Congress, Mitchell was a businessman and also helped support and fund several conservative causes, including a successful effort to kill Proposal 1, a tax increase for road repair put before voters in 2014.

Visit his campaign website here, and his U.S. House website here.

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Democrats running

Three Democrats are running in the 10th Congressional District primary.

Frank Accavitti Jr. is a former state representative who also served as mayor of Eastpointe and Macomb County commissioner. He ran and lost against Mitchell in the 2016 10th Congressional District election. His top priorities include raising the minimum wage, restoring the freedom to form unions and bargain collectively, repairing infrastructure and improving health care access and public education.

See his website here.

Kimberly Bizon is the web and interactive director at Sussman Agency and an environmental activist, Her main issues include federal investment in renewable energy, improving infrastructure, fair farm policies and affordable health care.

View her website here.

Michael McCarthy is a retired physician's assistant and is hoping to "heal what's broken in Washington," according to his website. If elected, he hopes to expand options for national service, bring new jobs to the 10th District and protect the environment.

View his website here.

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11th Congressional District

The 11th Congressional District became a competitive seat when incumbent U.S. Rep. Dave Trott, R-Birmingham, announced his intention to step down after his current term is complete.

Five Republicans and five Democrats are running in their respective primary races.

The 11th Congressional District is made up of portions of Oakland and Wayne counties in Southeast Michigan.

Learn more about the candidates here.

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Kerry Bentivolio - Republican

The Republican field for the 11th Congressional District includes someone who once held the office.

Bentivolio rose to an unexpected victory in the 2012 election after former U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter failed to collect enough signatures to make the ballot.

Bentivolio is an Army veteran and worked as a teacher and reindeer farmer prior to working in politics,

A favorite among Tea Party supporters when he was first elected, Bentivolio said in his campaign announcement the 11th District needs people in Congress "who aren't owned by special interests and who have the courage to rock the boat on behalf of the people."

Visit Bentivolio's website here.

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Lena Epstein - Republican

Epstein, the co-owner and manager of Vesco Oil Corporation and former state campaign co-chair for President Donald Trump, dropped out of the U.S. Senate race to seek the seat. In a statement announcing her decision, Epstein said she was proud of the success of her Senate campaign so far, but "cannot ignore" requests from supporters telling her to run in the district.

"As a businesswoman and community leader in Southeast Michigan, my background and experience have prepared me to be the most effective advocate for the people of the 11th district," she said. "It's crucial that this seat stays in Republican hands, and I am the strongest candidate to make sure that happens."

Epstein's campaign platform includes slashing government spending, strengthening and supporting the relationship between the U.S. and Israel and repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act.

Visit her website here.

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Klint Kesto - Republican

Klint Kesto is a former criminal prosecutor and small business owner who has served in the state Legislature since he was first elected in 2012. He's the first Chaldean to be elected to the state House of Representatives.

According to his website, Kesto would focus on reducing red tape of governmental regulations, ensuring parents have choice in their child's education and promoting performance based teaching.

In the legislature, Kesto has worked on reforming Michigan's civil asset forfeiture laws, among other issues.

Visit Kesto's website here.

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Rocky Raczkowski addresses the Troy Kiwanis Club meeting in Troy, Mich., Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2010. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Rocky Rackzowski - Republican

Raczkowski, a businessman and former U.S. Army officer and Combat Veteran, served in the state legislature from 1997 to 2003, and ran a close race against then-U.S. Rep. Gary Peters for his Congressional seat in 2010.

In a statement announcing his campaign, Raczkowski said: "The younger version of me would have sent some post/email full of political platitudes and statements which would leave everyone guessing about my intentions. With age comes wisdom, and I wanted you to know where I stand."

"I'm running, and, we're going to win. Period," he said.

Visit his website here.

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State Sen. Mike Kowall. (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com)

Mike Kowall - Republican

Mike Kowall is currently the Senate Majority Floor Leader and previously served in the House of Representatives. Prior to that, he was a businessman in Southeast Michigan.

If elected, Kowall's top priorities include expanding autonomous vehicles, enforcing strict immigration policy and supporting the military.

View his website here.

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Tim Greimel - Democrat

Democratic state. Rep. Tim Greimel, an attorney, hopes to bring his experience in state politics to the federal level.

Greimel was first elected to the state House of Representatives during a special election in 2012 served as House Democratic Leader for two terms, but decided to step down in 2016 after Democrats failed to gain the majority in the chamber.

Prior to his time in the legislature, Greimel, an attorney, served as an Oakland County Commissioner and as a member of the Rochester School Board.

Greimel points to his legislative work to raise the minimum wage, get Healthy Michigan passed and assist in the Detroit bankruptcy reorganization as examples where he worked across party lines to get substantial legislation passed.

Visit Greimel's website here.

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Suneel Gupta (photo courtesy Gupta campaign)

Suneel Gupta - Democrat

Democrat Suneel Gupta, a Novi native and current Birmingham resident, is a technology and healthcare entrepreneur and the brother of CNN Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta. In 2012, Suneel Gupta and his brother co-created Rise, a healthcare company that uses technology to shrink the cost of quality health care.

In a video kicking off his campaign, Gupta said he is campaigning on the platform of "better jobs, better wages and better skills."

Visit his website here

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Haley Stevens - Democrat

Haley Stevens is the former chief of staff for the U.S. Treasury Department's Auto Task Force during the midst of the auto company bailouts.

Since then, Stevens led a national workforce development program and created an online training program for digital manufacturing, according to her website.

Visit Stevens' website here.

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Fayrouz Saad - Democrat

Democrat Fayrouz Saad worked at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security under the Obama administration. She was also the director of Detroit's Office of Immigrant Affairs under Mayor Mike Duggan.

In a video announcing her campaign, Saad said she would listen to constituents and avoid divisive and derogatory statements. She said she would protect health care, fight for immigration reform and for equal pay and parental leave policies.

Visit her website here.

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Nancy Skinner - Democrat

Nancy Skinner is a radio and television commentator with a background in sustainable development. She previously ran for the 11th Congressional District in 2014.

If elected, Skinner's top priorities include climate change, health care and income inequality.

View Skinner's website here.

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12th Congressional District

The 12th Congressional District includes Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Dearborn and other Downriver communities, including Taylor, Woodhaven and Grosse Ile.

Previously held by former U.S. Rep. John Dingell, the seat went to sitting U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell in the 2014 election. She won reelection in 2016.

See more about the candidates running in the 12th District here.

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Rep. Debbie Dingell speaks at UAW Local 600 in Dearborn at a town hall to discuss NAFTA Renegotiation Wednesday night, Sept. 20, 2017. (Tanya Moutzalias | MLive Detroit)

Rep. Debbie Dingell - Democratic incumbent

Since she was first elected to replace her husband in Congress, U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn, has been vocal in pushing for trade reforms and changes to policy that benefit the working class and manufacturing industry.

She has urged for a responsible renegotiation of NAFTA that includes enforceable protections against currency manipulation and upping the NAFTA rule of origin to require 90 percent of a product must be made in North America to qualify for duty-free treatment instead of 62.5 percent.

She serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Dingell was also critical of the Democratic Party and the Clintons following the 2016 election, noting that the outcome might have been different had party leadership paid more attention to Michigan and the types of people who live in the state.

Visit her campaign website here, and her U.S. House website here.

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Jeff Jones - Republican

Jeff Jones is running as a Republican in the 12th Congressional District because "normal is broken," he says on his website.

If elected, he says he would focus on improving options for education, economic opportunity, the environment and health care.

View his website here.

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13th Congressional District

The 13th Congressional District opened when former U.S. Rep. John Conyers abruptly resigned in the wake of several sexual harassment allegations.

Technically, 13th District voters will be deciding two elections at the same time - the special election to fill Conyers' seat until the end of the term, and the 2018 election for next term. Gov. Rick Snyder scheduled the special election to run concurrently with the regular election.

Learn more about the candidates here.

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Ian Conyers - Democrat

State Sen. Ian Conyers, D-Detroit, started his career in the state Legislature after former Sen. Virgil Smith resigned.

On Twitter, Ian Conyers has touted his legislative record, pointing to legislation he's introduced to create jobs, protect neighborhoods, end the 30-year age minimum to run for governor in Michigan and determine the Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General and Secretary of State races in a primary election rather than at party conventions.

He announced he'd be running for Congress prior to John Conyers' resignation announcement, where the elder Conyers endorsed his son, John Conyers III, to take his place. Conyers III has not yet decided whether he'll enter the race.

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Rashida Tlaib, of Sugar Law Center, speaks at a rally for his dad who faces deportation and has taken up sanctuary at Central United Methodist Church in Detroit, during a rally at the the ICE offices in Detroit Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018. (Tanya Moutzalias | MLive Detroit) (Tanya Moutzalias | MLive Detroi

Rashida Tlaib - Democrat

Rashida Tlaib is an attorney and former state representative who was the first Muslim woman to serve in the state legislature.

Tlaib's top priorities include implementing a $15 minimum wage, preventing cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid and creating a "Justice For All" act to extend civil rights protections to cover discriminatory impacts and discriminatory intent against minority groups and women.

View her website here.

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Coleman Young II - Democrat

State Sen. Coleman Young II has announced his intentions to join the 13th Congressional District race.

The term-limited Democratic state senator from Detroit, who just came off of a loss to incumbent Mike Duggan in the city's mayoral election, announced at a press conference that he'd be entering the 13th Congressional District race.

Citing his record in the state legislature, Young said he hopes to take his experience to Congress to help bring federal support to the 13th District.

"I have 10 years of elected experience in Lansing, and I will put my record up against anybody as having the most experience out of anybody that's getting in this race legislatively," he said.

Young said if elected, he would work to improve infrastructure and address both the opioid crisis and a recent increase in Hepatitis A cases across Southeast Michigan.

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Brenda Jones - Democrat

Brenda Jones is currently president of the Detroit City Council and has served on council since 2005. Prior to that, she worked at Michigan Bell/SBC and was previously president of the Communication Workers of America Local 4004.

Some of her top priorities include addressing quality of life issues in the 13th district, getting access to federal funding and grants for the local economy and building strong relationships both among other Democrats and Republicans in Congress.

Visit her website here.

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Shanelle Jackson - Democrat

Shanelle Jackson is a former state representative and has also worked at the Michigan Department of Transportation and in business. Some of her priorities include diversifying the economy, fighting for resources for schools and students, achieving gender pay equity and bolstering health care access. Visit her website here.

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Bill Wild - Democrat

Bill Wild is currently serving his third term as mayor of Westland and served on the city council for several years prior to that.

Some of his priorities include amending gun laws, bringing federal dollars to the district through grants and programs and improving conditions for workers, including raising the minimum wage and achieving gender pay equity.

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14th Congressional District

The 14th Congressional District contains portions of Wayne and Oakland counties, including a portion of Detroit. U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence won election in 2014 after Gary Peters left the seat to run for U.S. Senate.

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U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence, D-Mich. speaks during a House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee hearing on the Flint water crisis on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Rep. Brenda Lawrence - Incumbent Democrat

U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence, D-Southfield, was elected in 2014 and has advocated for a variety of topics, including increasing the minimum wage, reducing student loan debt and supporting paid sick leave.

Lawrence sits on the Oversight and Government Reform and Transportation and Infrastructure committees in the House. She recently cosponsored legislation to require sexual harassment training for all congressional employees, shortly before her chief of staff resigned over sexual harassment claims.

Prior to her time in Congress, Lawrence served as mayor of Southfield.

View her campaign site here and her U.S. House website here.

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Marc Herschfus - Republican

Marc Herschfus is a physician running as a Republican in the 14th Congressional District. According to his Facebook page, his priorities are making government agencies more responsive to people, eliminate needless bureaucracy and bring more unity and strength to U.S. government.

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