Kristen McDonald RivetKristen McDonald Rivet

In Washington D.C., she’s proven herself as a tough fighter against concealed carry reciprocity, and a vocal advocate for making crucial investments in community violence intervention programs and working to disarm domestic abusers.

Incumbent

Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet holds this suburban Detroit seat and enters 2026 with a strong fundraising advantage. Keeping her in office is essential to Democrats holding their path to the House majority in a state where the Senate and governor's races will drive massive turnout.

Kristen McDonald Rivet is a life-long Michigander and is running for her second term in the U.S. House to represent Michigan’s 8th Congressional District.

McDonald Rivet grew up in a small town, working class family who were able to make a good life for themselves by working hard—and now, she’s focused on making sure every family has those same opportunities. Her policy priorities include ensuring everyone can get the healthcare they need and creating jobs where the Michigan Dream is available to all, not just those who are born into wealth.

During her first term McDonald Rivet has returned over $10 million to mid-Michigan residents through more than 1500 constituent services cases and she has introduced a bill to cut taxes for working families by thousands of dollars per year.

McDonald Rivet has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: Michigan Education Association, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Michigan AFL-CIO,

McDonald Rivet’s opponent is Republican Thomas Smith. Smith initially withdrew his candidacy after the deadline for his name to be removed from the ballot. He plans to advance President Donald Trump’s agenda.

Kristen McDonald Rivet is the most progressive choice in this race.

The American Federation of Government Employees, one of the largest federal employee unions, endorsed the following candidates for The U.S. House, including incumbent U.S. Reps. Hillary Scholten (CD-3), Debbie Dingell(CD-6), Kristen McDonald Rivet(CD-8), and Rashida Tlaib(CD-12).