MichMash: Rep. Dan Kildee joins list of departing Democrats in Congress
Rachel Louise Just, political reporter from Up North Live, joined “MichMash” host Cheyna Roth to discuss the future of his seat.
Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Flint Township) at a WDET event. Kildee announced Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, that he would be retiring next year after the end of his sixth term.
After serving six terms in Congress, Michigan Rep. Dan Kildee announced this week that he won’t seek reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives. Rachel Louise Just, political reporter from Up North Live, sat down with MichMash host Cheyna Roth to discuss what the news means for the future of his seat and unpack the Michigan Legislature’s early adjournment.
Subscribe to MichMash on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.
In this episode:
- Why Rep. Dan Kildee is not seeking reelection
- The Michigan Democratic party’s fate as multiple seats are up for grabs
- The Michigan Legislature’s agenda moving into the new year
Kildee’s decision to leave was influenced by his battle with cancer earlier this year , though he is currently cancer free. His seat has been held by the Kildee name for a while. Dan’s uncle, former Rep. Dale Kildee, served from 1977 until 2013, when Dan succeeded him. Now, his decision to not seek reelection, although personal, is impacting the fate of the Democratic party majority.
“Because we have these new competitive seats that were redrawn during this new redistricting process with citizens actually doing it themselves, they are more competitive,” said Just, adding it is very possible for Republicans to take that seat.
Although the legislature will not resume until the new year, Just said that there are a lot of moves that are drawing her attention.
“Some of the things that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer outlined in her speech earlier, of what she wanted to get passed. I’m curious if she is going to bring forth anything new. A lot of things that she wanted has already been done,” said Just.
Gov. Whitmer’s outline has been the Democrats prime responsibility so her suggestions will be heavily considered.
More from MichMash:
- Detroit Today: Why Dan Kildee will not seek reelection
- MichMash: What’s to come for Michigan House Democrats after election shakeup?
- MichMash: Reviewing the Michigan Legislature’s mid-2023 moves
Support the podcasts you love.
One-of-a-kind podcasts from WDET bring you engaging conversations, news you need to know and stories you love to hear.
Keep the conversations coming. Please make a gift today.
