I live in MI 11th which had a contested Demcratic primary between Haley Stevens, the incumbent, and Andy Levin. Levin chose to run in the 11th for what I would guess were a few reasons and some bad advice.
Levin’s home was redistricted into the 11th but the district he represented was redrawn leaving 70% of that district intact. It skewed a little more republican but his name in Levin and in Michigan that’s a big deal. Haley’s district, the 11th, became more Democratic but we all know not to take anything for granted. She won a five way primary in 2018 and flipped the district which had been republican for decades. She won it again in 2020. She out raised Levin in this contest by a significant amount which I find amazing given Levin’s name and connections. His father and uncle, Carl and Sander Levin are beloved in Michigan.
The real reason for this post is we lost MI 10th. John James who has lost two previous elections just won the republican primary by an overwhelming majority. He’s an African American maga (I can’t even explain that). He has no governmental experience.
Several other Democratic congress people have moved to stay in their districts even though it’s not necessary to run. Debbie Dingell moved due to redistricting. The Dingells have been in Dearborn since her husband won that seat but she decided for the good of the party and to hold the seat to move. Haley moved to stay in the 11th. But Levin chose to primary a very popular colleague.
It’s just a shame and sad that he is not going back to congress and none of this was necessary.