LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The resignation of Curtis Hertel, Jr. from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration on Friday has led to chatter that he may run for the Congressional seat currently held by Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin (MI-07).

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A press release from Whitmer’s office said Hertel would be stepping down as the director of legislative affairs and would be replaced by Patti Tremblay.

“I am so grateful to my friend Curtis Hertel, Jr. for his service to the State of Michigan and for everything he has done bringing Republicans and Democrats together to make a real difference in people’s lives,” Whitmer said. “Every Michigander now has more freedom and rights thanks to Curtis’s work in the legislature to strengthen the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act.”

 

 

Hertel, who previously served in the state legislature, is not a stranger to Michigan politics. His father, Curtis Hertel Sr., served in the state Legislature for years. His brother, Kevin, was elected to represent parts of Macomb, St. Clair and Wayne counties in the state Senate. Hertel’s wife, Elizabeth, is the director of Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

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Slotkin, the Lansing Democrat currently representing the district, has announced she will run to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow. She will retire in 2024.

The race for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District is expected to be one of the most closely watched 2024 races in the country. The district covers Ingham, Livingston, Clinton and Shiawassee counties, and parts of Eaton, Oakland and Genesee counties. Former State Senator Tom Barrett, who lost to Slotkin in November 2022, is expected to run again for that seat.