In a significant political development in Michigan, Josh Cowen, a professor from Michigan State University, has entered the race for one of the state’s most hotly contested congressional districts. Cowen aims to unseat Republican Representative Tom Barrett, joining a competitive race filled with Democratic hopefuls.
During a conversation with The Associated Press, Cowen revealed that his decision to run was driven by concerns over federal worker layoffs and reductions in research funding and Medicaid. Barrett had successfully flipped the Lansing-area district in the 2024 elections.
“What it really means in our daily lives is disinvestment from services that we depend on,” commented Cowen, who is recognized for his research opposing school vouchers. These vouchers allow public funds to be used for private-school tuition, a concept Cowen has analyzed in various media, including the AP.
Betsy Devos, former education secretary under President Donald Trump and an influential figure in Michigan Republican politics, has been a proponent of school vouchers. Criticizing this stance, Cowen stated, “We don’t need DeVos and her billionaires pushing their harmful agenda that benefits a select few at the expense of the many.”
In a discussion with Michigan public, he emphasized, “Public schools are the great equalizer. Public schools are the way here in this country, in this state, that every family gets a shot.”
Josh Cowen’s candidacy comes on the heels of announcements by former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink and ex-Navy SEAL Matt Maasdam, who are also vying for the Democratic nomination.
The incumbent, Tom Barrett, an Army veteran, secured the 7th Congressional District seat by a margin of 3.7 points after Democrat Elissa Slotkin opted to run for the Senate. The district includes Lansing and its surrounding rural regions.
Barrett’s victory was pivotal in preserving the Republicans’ narrow majority in the House. This year, he has reported raising $2 million in campaign funds.
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