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Mitchell’s announcement opens door for others




Paul Mitchell

Paul Mitchell

With U.S. Rep. Paul Mitchell’s surprise announcement that he won’t run for another term, comes speculation on possible candidates in 2020.

Republican State Representative Shane Hernandez doesn’t rule out a possible run for the 10th Congressional seat, while Kimberly Bizon, who lost to Mitchell in the last election, said she will run again as a Democrat in 2020.

Mitchell won the 10th Congressional seat in 2016, succeeding Candice Miller who retired after representing the district since 2003.

The 10th District includes most of northern Macomb County, eastern Tuscola County and all of Sanilac, Huron, Lapeer and St. Clair counties.

The Dryden area resident cited family reasons and frustrations with Washington politics as his reasons for not running again.

“A career in Washington has never been my objective,” said Mitchell. “My objective has always been simply to work to address significant challenges this nation faces: health care, immigration, and infrastructure for example.

Shane Hernandez

Shane Hernandez

“However, it appears that rhetoric overwhelms policy, and politics consumes much of the oxygen in the city.”

Michell’s announcement opens the door for what could be a host of candidates.

Hernandez, who grew up in Croswell and resides in Port Huron, doesn’t rule out a run for the seat.

Hernandez represents the 83d House District that includes all of Sanilac County, and the city of Port Huron and Burtchville and Fort Gratiot townships in St. Clair County.

“Today’s news of the Congressman’s plan to retire at the end of his term came as a surprise to me,” Hernandez told the News in an email July 24. “He has done an excellent job in DC and has served this district well.

“I am not ready to make any decisions at this time, as I fully expected Congressman Mitchell to run for another term. I will keep all options open and would not completely rule out a run, but I do have a family and would need to have extensive conversations with my wife and a lot of prayer before making any decision.

Kimberly Bizon

Kimberly Bizon

“At the current time, it is not something I had even considered as I am focused, and will remain focused, on fixing Michigan’s roads and finishing a budget process with the best product possible for the people of Michigan.”

Republican State Senator Dan Lauwers of Brockway, whose 25th Senate District includes Sanilac County, did not respond to an email about the seat.

Bizon did answer the News’ inquiry about her plans.

“Yes, I am running again for the 10th District Congressional seat as a Democrat,” said Bizon.

“I wish Mr. Mitchell well in his endeavors, but I am glad he is stepping down. I’m not surprised he cited political vitriol as his reason for leaving office. His position as a climate change denier proves he is unwilling or unable to change his mind in the face of scientific facts, so it’s no shock that he is having trouble working with members of Congress who have opposing viewpoints. He fell short as a leader, and his failure to battle climate change is just one of many missteps.”

Bizon added, “That said, Mitchell’s decision won’t affect our campaign in any way. We are focusing on community outreach for the next couple months, and our goal is to reach as many people in the district as possible.”