The race to replace longtime Michigan Congressman Dale Kildee moves into a higher gear today.
Kildee announced earlier this year he would not seek a 19th term in Congress.
Today, the outgoing congressman’s nephew, Dan Kildee will formally announce his candidacy for the Democratic nomination.
“I’ve spent my whole life really fighting for people. Worked in local government, now in the non-profit sector, through that entire period I have been able to make government work to achieve things to put people back to work and make communities better," said Dan Kildee.
Dan Kildee conceded there will be comparisons drawn between him and his uncle.
"Of course over the years people have compared myself to my uncle, but this is a time for me to stand on my own two feet and run on my own record," he said.
Other Democrats who are considering running for Dale Kildee’s old seat include former congressman Jim Barcia, State Senator John Gleason, State Representative Woodrow Stanley and education activist David Crim.
Former state senator Jim Slezak is running for the Republican nomination in Michigan’s fifth congressional district.