House results: Tom Barrett, Bill Huizenga have edge in first returns

All 13 Michigan congressional districts are up for grabs tonight, but only three are could be competitive
Incumbent Republicans Tom Barrett and Bill Huizenga are ahead in early returns
The races are still too close to call as election officials continue counting votes

Polls are closed in most of Michigan, and early results are trickling in for three of the state’s congressional districts that are most heavily contested.

Public opinion surveys nationwide indicate that Democrats may be poised to seize control of the US House. In Michigan, Republicans hold a seven-six edge on Democrats.

Early returns show incumbent Republican US Reps. Tom Barrett and Bill Huizenga leading challengers. In the mid-Michigan’s 7th District, the first-term Barrett had an early lead against Democrat Will Lawrence, while Huizenga led state Sen. Sean McCann in southwest Michigan’s 4th District.

In the Macomb County centered 10th District, Republican Michael Bouchard and Democrat Christina Hines were neck-and-neck. That seat is open because GOP Rep. John James is running for governor.

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Already, one incumbent is out: Detroit Democrat Shri Thanedar lost in the primary to state Rep. Donovan McKinney, who is expected to easily win tonight because the 13th District is considered one of the most progressive in the nation.

Here’s what to know:

4th District

Huizenga, a Zeeland Republican, has served in the US House since 2011, giving him the incumbent’s advantage as he seeks a ninth term in the seat he has won handily in each prior re-election bid.

McCann, a Kalamazoo Democrat, was believed to benefit from name recognition because he has represented parts of southwest Michigan in the state Legislature on and off since 2011.

Like many other Democratic nominees this election season, McCann has sought to play up Huizenga’s ties to President Donald Trump while Huizenga has positioned himself as a workhorse focused on affordability.

7th District

Political analysts have called this mid-Michigan district a bellwether for national control of a US House, where Republicans hold a four-seat advantage.

The politically purple district, currently represented by Barrett, includes Clinton, Shiawassee, Ingham and Livingston counties and parts of Eaton and Oakland counties.

Lawrence, a progressive Democrat who beat out two centrist candidates in the primary, has campaigned against high prices, the Iran War and data centers in an attempt to woo voters angry with Trump — and by extension Barrett.

Barrett, meanwhile, has sought to distance himself from Trump while describing Lawrence’s past support for defunding the police and loosening immigration restrictions as “extreme” and too far-left.

10th District

The 10th District consists of a politically diverse region spanning southern Macomb County and the Oakland County communities of Rochester and Rochester Hills.

James won the district by six percentage points as an incumbent in 2024, but his decision to run for governor created an open lane for a newcomer.

Bouchard, a US Army veteran and son of Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, has run on promises to prioritize border security, strengthen the US military and levy tariffs on other countries (excluding Canada) in hopes of boosting Michigan manufacturers.

Hines, a former prosecuting attorney in Macomb and Oakland counties, has campaigned on eliminating tariffs, lowering health care costs and getting corporate money out of politics.