Two more Democrats enter race to replace Rep. Haley Stevens

Two extra Democratic candidates have entered the race to interchange U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Birmingham, in Michigan’s eleventh Congressional District.

On Friday, November 14, Dr. Anil Kumar, a surgeon, urologist and member of the Wayne State College Board of Governors, introduced he was looking for the nomination to interchange Stevens, who’s leaving the seat to run for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat.

John Paul Torres, a Waterford College District trustee, has additionally entered the sector to interchange Stevens within the eleventh District, a predominantly Democratic district that features a lot of Oakland County.

Kumar has competed on this district earlier than, however earlier than the boundaries had been redrawn in 2021. He misplaced the Democratic major in 2014, then gained it in 2016 after which misplaced the overall election to then-U.S. Rep. Dave Trott, R-Birmingham. In 2024, he ran within the neighboring tenth District, regardless of dwelling exterior of it; nevertheless, he was disqualified from a spot on the poll after the State Bureau of Elections found this he failed to submit enough valid signatures along with his candidacies.

“Over the previous three many years, I’ve helped hundreds of sufferers and have seen first-hand the shortcomings of a healthcare system that places earnings earlier than individuals,” Kumar stated in his announcement. “Each election, politicians make empty guarantees about making healthcare extra inexpensive and accessible, however no significant options ever materialize.”

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“It is clear that D.C. is not working for us as households are crushed by medical debt, rising prescription prices and lack of alternative,” he added. Kumars campaign website additionally stated he’s dedicated “to bringing actual experience, compassion and accountability to Washington.”

In his announcement in late October, Torres, a first-generation Mexican-American, stated, “Public service has all the time been on the core of who I’m.” Torres’ website stated he was a probation officer, program director and courtroom administrator.

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“I’m operating to struggle for our neighborhood and guarantee each voice is heard,” he stated. “Throughout my profession, I’ve promoted juvenile justice reform, secured tens of millions in funding for the Waterford College District throughout the pandemic and labored with the courts to assist veterans, youth and people battling psychological well being points obtain the companies wanted to interrupt the cycle of recidivism.”

Torres additionally stated he believes the U.S. should “pave a transparent path to citizenship with out tearing households aside or hollowing out total workplaces by way of mass deportations.”

Each enter a Democratic area of candidates that additionally consists of Sen. Jeremy Moss and former Ford engineer Don Ufford, each from Bloomfield Township. Legal professional Aisha Farooqi has additionally filed to run within the major, as has Stu Baker, whose nomination was filed from Auburn Hills however who doesn’t seem to have a web site. Republicans who filed embody Mike Steger, who based a pro-Trump advocacy group; lawyer Anthony Paesano; and Antonio Prieto, whose marketing campaign paperwork got here from Farmington however who additionally didn’t seem to have a web site.

Contact Todd Spangler: tspangler@freepress.com. Comply with him on Twitter@tsspangler.