Carl Marlinga Wants John James' Macomb, Rochester U.S. House Seat

ROCHESTER HILLS, MI — Democrat Carl Marlinga is looking to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. John James for Congress in a potential 2024 rematch for a battleground Macomb County, Rochester-Rochester Hills seat.

James of Shelby Township narrowly defeated Marlinga of Sterling Heights in November by 1,600 votes or 0.5 percentage points for Michigan's 10th District, which covers southern Macomb County, Rochester and Rochester Hills. The race was the third-closest U.S. House election nationwide.

Marlinga, a former Macomb County judge and prosecutor, beat out four other Democrats last year to win the party's nomination before narrowly losing to James, whom Republicans consider a rising star in their party.

In his statement, Marlinga said his campaign will focus on growing the economy, protecting the Great Lakes and standing up for abortion rights.

"I'm running because I was and still am the best person to be a representative for this district. I grew up here, while John James was a stranger to the people in this district," Marlinga said.

Marlinga looks to capitalize on growing democratic strength in Michigan after Democrats swept statewide races, capturing total control in Lansing for the first time in 40 years.