Who Is Running in Michigan Congressional District 8th in 2026?
Last updated: February 28, 2026
Kristen Mcdonald Rivet
(Incumbent)Economy
HighCongresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet introduced the Affordable Food and Energy Act of 2026 to reverse cuts to assistance for low-income households. She voted against a tax package that would cut healthcare and food assistance, citing the negative impact on working families and the national debt. She also supported the New Democrat Coalition's Affordability Agenda, which aims to lower costs for essentials like groceries, healthcare, housing, childcare, and energy. She also expressed concern about job losses due to economic turmoil and tariff practices.
Immigration
HighCongresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet supports reforming the immigration system, including investments for border security, modernizing the legal process, and treating individuals with dignity. She advocates for a clear path for those who abide by laws and contribute to society, alongside deportation hearings for those committing violent crimes. Rivet also voted against a government funding package, expressing concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations and demanding reforms in its standards and procedures.
Healthcare
HighKristen McDonald Rivet has consistently opposed budget proposals that slash healthcare funding and food assistance, voting against such measures in 2025 and 2026. She advocates for a budget that protects Medicare and Social Security, aims to lower costs for working families, and seeks to provide tax cuts for them rather than for wealthy individuals. She also voted to extend tax credits to reduce health insurance premiums, noting concerns about rising costs on the Affordable Care Act marketplace.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Kristen Mcdonald Rivet |
|---|---|
| Economy | Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet introduced the Affordable Food and Energy Act of 2026 to reverse cuts to assistance for low-income households. She voted against a tax package that would cut healthcare and food assistance, citing the negative impact on working families and the national debt. She also supported the New Democrat Coalition's Affordability Agenda, which aims to lower costs for essentials like groceries, healthcare, housing, childcare, and energy. She also expressed concern about job losses due to economic turmoil and tariff practices. High |
| Immigration | Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet supports reforming the immigration system, including investments for border security, modernizing the legal process, and treating individuals with dignity. She advocates for a clear path for those who abide by laws and contribute to society, alongside deportation hearings for those committing violent crimes. Rivet also voted against a government funding package, expressing concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations and demanding reforms in its standards and procedures. High |
| Healthcare | Kristen McDonald Rivet has consistently opposed budget proposals that slash healthcare funding and food assistance, voting against such measures in 2025 and 2026. She advocates for a budget that protects Medicare and Social Security, aims to lower costs for working families, and seeks to provide tax cuts for them rather than for wealthy individuals. She also voted to extend tax credits to reduce health insurance premiums, noting concerns about rising costs on the Affordable Care Act marketplace. High |
| Climate & Energy | Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet voted in May 2025 to repeal the Environmental Protection Agency’s waivers for California’s vehicle emission standards. In January 2026, she introduced the Affordable Food and Energy Act, aiming to reverse cuts to food and energy assistance for low-income households. As Freshman Leadership Representative of the New Democrat Coalition, she supports defending clean energy investments, reforming permitting rules, and investing in biofuels to lower energy bills. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Kristen McDonald Rivet voted against H.Res.1014 in 2026. She supports reproductive rights and opposes a national abortion ban, stating that Congress should codify the protections of Roe v. Wade into law to safeguard freedoms. She has also received $9,498 in contributions from Abortion Policy/Pro-Abortion Rights PACs. High |
| Foreign Policy | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
| Education | Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet opposed the 2026 executive order to dismantle the Department of Education. She articulated that eliminating the department would cause unnecessary and irreversible harm to students, particularly those in special education and underfunded school systems. McDonald Rivet stressed the need to support public schools and improve student reading and math scores, rather than defunding educational institutions, drawing on her background in education. High |
| Gun Policy | Kristen McDonald Rivet has been endorsed by Giffords for the U.S. House of Representatives. Giffords is an organization that advocates for strong gun safety laws and aims to elect representatives who support lifesaving measures to reduce gun violence in communities. This endorsement reflects her alignment with the organization's mission. Low |
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