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Slotkin To Face Rep. Bishop in Michigan's 8th Congressional District

Mike Bishop, Elissa Slotkin
Rep. Mike Bishop (R-MI) will face Democratic challenger Elissa Slotkin in the 8th congressional district race.

A former national security advisor will take on the Republican incumbent in the race for the 8th Congressional District which runs from Lansing to Detroit. 

Democratic candidate Elissa Slotkin won her party’s nomination. Slotkin says she brings a new perspective that’s missing from Washington.

“I think people just are looking for the representatives just to think bigger and be more creative and be that new generation that is going to help change Congress, and I think I’m better positioned to do that,” Slotkin said.

On the Republican side, voters chose incumbent Mike Bishop. He said his deep roots in the district will speak to voters.

“I’m born and raised in his district," said Rep. Bishop. "I know this district very well. My kids go to school here. I know not only the district I know the people here. I think I’m in a better position than my opponent to address those issues and represent this community."

Slotkin challenged Bishop to three debates. Bishop said he accepts.

Slotkin will face Rep. Bishop in what is expected to be a competitive race for a Michigan congressional district that stretches between Lansing and the northern Detroit suburbs.

Slotkin — who had U.S. intelligence, national security, and defense roles during the Obama and Bush administrations — beat Michigan State University professor Chris Smith in Tuesday's Democratic primary.

The incumbent Bishop defeated business owner Lokesh Kumar in the GOP race.

Democrats hoping for a "blue wave" in November see the 8th District as a pickup opportunity.

Bishop, a former legislative leader, is seeking a third term in the GOP-leaning seat.

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