Paul Junge emerged victorious in the GOP primary for Michigan’s 8th Congressional District, clinching the Republican nomination and setting his sights on succeeding retiring Democrat Rep. Dan Kildee.
Junge secured a decisive win over opponents Mary Draves and Anthony Hudson, garnering an impressive 73% of the vote when the race was officially called. A familiar face in Michigan politics, Junge had previously run for the same Congressional seat twice. His background includes serving in the Department of Homeland Security under former President Donald Trump and working as an investigative counsel for Senate Judiciary Committee chair Sen. Chuck Grassley.
During his 2024 campaign, Junge emphasized his commitment to combatting inflation and addressing the border crisis, highlighting the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic on marginalized communities. In a statement to the press, Junge underscored his priorities, stating, 'Stopping the rising cost of goods and enhancing the economy for working families are paramount to my campaign. Equally crucial is my pledge to halt the influx of illegal immigrants and dangerous synthetic opioids across our southern border, which continue to wreak havoc on forgotten communities within our state and nation.'
Meanwhile, Mary Draves, who co-owns an auto repair business with her husband, advocated for energy independence and bolstering border security throughout her campaign. Draves emphasized the importance of energy self-sufficiency, citing the period of energy independence during the Trump administration as a model for economic growth and innovation. She also stressed the need to curb illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl across the border, asserting that a secure and prosperous America hinges on these measures.
Anthony Hudson, a Texas native and Army veteran, focused his campaign on border security and job creation, positioning himself as an ordinary American citizen determined to effect positive change. Hudson expressed his desire to attract residents back to Michigan by fostering job opportunities and challenging the influence of foreign companies in the state.
With his primary victory secured, Junge is now poised to face the winner of the Democratic primary, where three candidates are vying to succeed the departing Rep. Kildee. Kildee, who has represented Michigan’s 8th Congressional District since 2012, announced his decision not to seek re-election in November of last year.
