Paul Junge emerged victorious in the GOP primary for Michigan’s 8th Congressional District, clinching the Republican nomination in a decisive fashion. He triumphed over his opponents Mary Draves and Anthony Hudson, capturing 73% of the vote when the Associated Press officially called the race.
Junge, who had previously made unsuccessful bids for the same congressional seat, brings a wealth of experience to the table. He served in the Department of Homeland Security under former President Donald Trump’s administration and worked as an investigative counsel for Senate Judiciary Committee chair Sen. Chuck Grassley. Junge’s platform for the 2024 campaign focused on tackling issues such as inflation, the border crisis, and the opioid epidemic that has plagued many communities.
His main goals include curbing the rising cost of goods, bolstering the economy for working families, and staunching the flow of illegal immigrants and synthetic opioids across the southern border. These issues, according to Junge, have had a devastating impact on communities in Michigan and across the nation.
On the other hand, Mary Draves, who co-owns an auto repair business with her husband, emphasized the importance of energy independence and border security throughout her campaign. She highlighted the period of energy independence during Trump’s presidency as a model for the country to follow. Draves also stressed the need to stem the tide of illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking to ensure a safe and prosperous America.
Anthony Hudson, a Texas native and Army veteran, ran a campaign centered on border security and job creation. Expressing his discontent with the country’s direction, Hudson aimed to bring positive change by focusing on job growth in Michigan and countering the influence of foreign companies, particularly those from China, in the state.
With Junge emerging victorious in the GOP primary, he will now proceed to face the winner of the Democratic primary in the upcoming election. The Democratic primary features three candidates vying to succeed the outgoing Rep. Dan Kildee, who has represented Michigan’s 8th Congressional District since 2012 but opted not to seek re-election.
Overall, the race for Michigan’s 8th Congressional District is shaping up to be a closely watched contest, as candidates from both parties lay out their visions for addressing key issues facing the state and the nation. Stay tuned for further updates as the campaign progresses.