The newly elected congress member for Michigan’s 8th district says she won’t wait to begin changing Washington. Democrat Elissa Slotkin also believes someone other than Nancy Pelosi should be Speaker of the House when her party becomes the majority in January.
Dozens cheered loudly as Representative-elect Elissa Slotkin began thanking supporters at Strange Matter coffee shop in Lansing.
“I tell you they have no idea what’s coming for them," said Slotkin.
The former CIA officer was part of a wave of Democrats who unseated Republicans across the country.
In an expensive and close race, Republican incumbent Mike Bishop lost his re-election bid to represent the district that includes Ingham, Livingston and Oakland Counties.
Slotkin said there will be a difference as soon as next week when she arrives for orientation at the US Capitol.
“Just because party leadership tells me to do something doesn’t mean I’m doing it," said Slotkin. "And I think that’s new, and I think that’s different and they’re going to feel that immediately.”
Slotkin said she respects Nancy Pelosi but does not think she should become Speaker of the House again.
“I never want to be disrespectful to anyone who served, especially a woman who broke glass ceilings," said Slotkin. "But I think we need to hear what people are telling us on the ground and that is they want a new generation of leadership on both sides of the aisle.”
Slotkin is looking to open an office to meet with constituents in Lansing and possibly another in Rochester Hills.
Listen to an in-depth interview with newly elected Rep. Elissa Slotkin on "Current State" - this Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and Sunday at 4:00 p.m. on 90.5 WKAR-FM.