Endorsement: Return these Michigan Dems to the US Congress

In three Michigan Congressional districts, incumbent representatives face no or only nominal opposition in the Nov. 5 general election:

• DEBBIE DINGELL, 6th District, Washtenaw County and parts of Wayne and Oakland counties

• HALEY STEVENS, 11th District, most of Oakland County

• RASHIDA TLAIB, 12th District, western Wayne County and part of south Oakland County

During their tenures, these Democratic women have built solid reputations for thoughtful policymaking and efficient constituent services, and will continue to capably represent their respective districts in the U.S. Congress.

Before the August primary, the Free Press also endorsed incumbent 13th District U.S. Rep. SHRI THANEDAR, who likewise faces no serious opposition in the general election.

Here's what the Free Press Editorial Board wrote about each incumbent in endorsements issued before the primary election.

Debbie Dingell

"In 2014, Dingell won the seat — after redistricting, now the 6th — held for 60 years by her husband, the legendary Congressman John Dingell, who left office in 2015 and died in 2019. She has deployed an in-depth knowledge of Washington, accumulated over three decades of marriage to one of the U.S. Congress' most influential members and her own lengthy career in philanthropy, and paired her deep convictions and political savvy with deep roots in Michigan and an unmatched understanding of the constituents she serves."

Haley Stevens

"Stevens, of Michigan's 11th District, cut her political teeth in the presidential campaigns of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, later serving as chief of staff to the U.S. Auto Rescue Taskforce, the group that orchestrated the 2009 bailout of the American auto industry. She ran for office as a staunch Democrat with an instinctive understanding of the moderate voters in her Oakland County district. Few members of Congress can rival Stevens' knowledge of the auto industry, American manufacturing and the ingredients for resurgence and success."

Rashida Tlaib

"Tlaib, who represents what is now the 12th District, can a lightning rod for controversy — often simply because of who she is, not what she has done. Tlaib is a hard-working lawmakers, tirelessly canvassing her district to ensure she understands the concerns of the Michiganders she represents, and offers top-notch constituent services. She's sharp, smart and principled. But as the only Palestinian American serving in Congress, she and her family are the subjects of frequent, credible threats and a stream of abuse well beyond what has, unfortunately, become the norm.

"The last eight months haven't changed that. Tlaib has been an outspoken advocate for a cease-fire in Israel's war on Gaza, an advocate for Palestinian statehood and a loud critic of the Israeli government. Tlaib's fervor — which some have dubbed antisemitic — led many to speculate that she'd face a serious primary or general election challenger this year. One businessman reportedly offered to bankroll any primary candidate who'd take Tlaib on, to the tune of $20 million.

"No one took the offer. That alone is a testament to what Tlaib has accomplished. Residents of the 12th District will be well-served by Tlaib’s return to Washington."

Shri Thanedar

"... he has yet to prove himself in Congress, drawing frequent criticism for poor constituent services and for misaligning office resources with his district’s needs. In an endorsement interview with the Free Press Editorial Board, his explanations didn’t reassure.

"...Thanedar’s incumbent status means he ought to be able to be more effective over the next two years than a congressional newcomer. But if he wins re-election, Thanedar must get serious about the office he holds, and his responsibilities to the Michiganders who elected him. ...

"If voters return Thanedar to Washington, he’ll have two years of service under his belt; in theory, that experience should lead to more effective legislating.

"But we have a specific prescription for Thanedar’s operation:

• Prioritize constituent services.

• Hire a full complement of qualified staffers, and pay them appropriately, and ensure interns and fellows have duties commensurate with their status.

• Ensure that all office functions and interactions comply with federal law and best practices of workplace management.

• Understand the reasons for staff turnover, and correct internal culture problems that cause it.

• Build relationships with members of Michigan’s Congressional delegation who might be able to advise their junior colleague on sound management practices.

• Limit the use of budget dollars on advertising that could be spent on staff.

• Forge or repair relationships with local leaders.

"Residents of Detroit’s 13th District deserve capable representation in the U.S. Congress. If they choose to re-elect Thanedar, he owes them that much."

How to vote

Local clerks mailed absentee ballots to Michigan voters on Sept. 26. Registered voters may cast ballots early, in person, from Oct. 26 to Nov. 3 — check with your local clerk for the location of early voting sites and ballot dropboxes. And, of course, you can vote — and register to vote — in person on Election Day, Nov. 5. Check your voter registration or find your polling place on the Michigan Secretary of State website.

This piece has been updated to include voting information.

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Endorsement: In Nov. 5 election, send 3 Michigan Dems back to Congress