Former Saline Mayor and current Democratic State Rep. Gretchen Driskell (D-Saline) announced her candidacy for the United States House of Representatives on Monday, seeking to represent Michigan’s 7th Congressional District.
The first female mayor in Saline’s history, Driskell made the announcement before a crowd of supporters at Mangiamo Italian Grill in Saline. From there she headed to the Frenchtown Senior Center in Monroe, Delta Township Community Center in Eaton County, and Jackson Coffee Company in Jackson.
Former Congressman Mark Schauer, who held the 7th Congressional District seat from 2009-2011, was expected to introduce Driskell in Eaton County and Jackson.
“I’m running for Congress because the residents of the 7th District deserve an effective, solution-oriented advocate in Washington,” she said in a press release.
“As mayor of Saline, I worked with small business owners, educators, and city leaders from both parties to attract investment and create jobs,” she said, adding, “Together, we made Saline a home for families and small businesses. I understand the challenges faced by working families in this district, and I know that they need someone who is more interested in solutions than partisan arguments.”
“Michigan needs an advocate who will be an unwavering voice for working families,” Driskell said, adding, “We need a representative who will stand up for our Michigan values in Washington. Values like hard work, common sense, and working together.”
A passionate advocate for education, Driskell vowed to make providing a 21st century education a key component of her campaign according to the press release.
Driskell is in her second term representing the 52nd District in the Michigan House of Representatives. In addition to her 14 years as Saline mayor, Driskell served six years on the Saline City Council, and built a successful career in Saline as a commercial realtor and accountant.
The 7th District includes all of Monroe, Lenawee, Hillsdale, Branch, Jackson and Eaton Counties, as well as western Washtenaw County. The seat is currently held by Republican Tim Walberg.
Driskell has launched her 2016 campaign website.
Those interested in volunteering for or contributing to the campaign should contact Keenan Pontoni at 734-330-5937.
