With the Republican Party currently having complete control over the legislature, executive and judicial branches of the Michigan state government, having the redistricting process turn into a hopelessly gerrymandered mess was inevitable.
For those of us in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area, the most obvious fallout of this at the U.S. Congressional level is that MI-09, represented by Gary Peters for the past 3 years, is about to be sliced up into several new districts.
The end result is that Rep. Peters has basically been squeezed out of his own district, leaving him with several options as to how to proceed from here. Today, Rep. Peters answered that question.
While this news has been rumored amongst those in the know for several weeks now, today, Congressman Peters made it official.
Via email sent from PetersForCongress.com:
Dear Supporter,
We've faced some tough challenges, but we always made it because we stood together. Even during the rise of the Tea Party wave last year, you stood with me and for that I will always be thankful.
Because of your support, I wanted you to be the first to know the news.
Today, I will announce that I intend to seek reelection in the newly-drawn 14th Congressional District to continue my work to move the Greater Detroit region forward in the years to come.
The creation of this new Congressional District bridges diverse communities and comes at a pivotal time in our nation's history. Too many families are struggling in our area and I am committed to the urgent task of bringing our communities together while fighting for the issues that unite us: good paying jobs, stronger schools, and protecting critical priorities like Social Security and Medicare.
Congressional districts are just lines on a map. I believe that regardless of where we call home, we all want the same things: economic security, fairness from government, and an honest chance to find success and happiness - I've spent my life fighting for these values.
And that is why today, I ask you to join me as I seek reelection - after all, this race is about you.
We all know that the success of the whole region is tied to the success of the city of Detroit and I am committed to making this region a better place to live, work and raise a family.
With your help, I know we can do it.
Thank you,
Gary
Incumbent freshman Congressman Hansen Clarke (currently MI-13) is also planning on running for the newly-created MI-14 district; Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence has also been considering entering the MI-14 race, but has not yet made a formal announcement.