Skip to content
elect.link
Latest
Allupdates
D Democratic · Incumbent · U.S. House 8, Michigan · Nov 3, 2026

Kristen
McDonald Rivet

Democratic U.S. Representative for Michigan's 8th Congressional District, serving since January 2025 and seeking reelection in 2026.

Researched checked 6 d ago
sources
25
positions
9
endorsements
22
kristenmcdonaldrivet.com ↗(opens in a new tab) X(opens in a new tab)Facebook(opens in a new tab)Instagram(opens in a new tab)
Opponents C. Mia Pettus L+ 2 more Compare race →

Background

Kristen McDonald Rivet is the U.S. Representative for Michigan's 8th Congressional District, serving since January 3, 2025. Born in Portland, Michigan and currently residing in Bay City, she holds a B.A. from Michigan State University (1992) and an M.P.A. from the University of Michigan–Flint (2010). 13

Before her congressional service, McDonald Rivet held several public and nonprofit leadership roles, including executive director of Michigan Head Start, chief of staff at the Michigan Department of Education, and vice president of The Skillman Foundation. She also held staff positions at the Michigan Departments of Human Services and Education. 13

She previously served as a Bay City commissioner (2019–2022) and as a Michigan state senator (2023–2025), where she served as assistant majority floor leader. 1

McDonald Rivet is the Democratic candidate for Michigan's 8th Congressional District in the November 3, 2026 general election, running as an incumbent. 521

At a glance

Party
Democratic · Incumbent
Running for
U.S. House · District 8, Michigan
Election
Nov 3, 2026
Current office
U.S. Representative for Michigan's 8th Congressional District
Website
kristenmcdonaldrivet.com(opens in a new tab)

Where they stand

Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.

Timeline

  1. Oct 11
    endorsement
    Michigan Fraternal Order of Police endorses McDonald Rivet

    The Detroit News reported that the Michigan Fraternal Order of Police, the state's largest law-enforcement union, had endorsed McDonald Rivet. The paper noted the union had also endorsed her in 2024.

    Jocelyn Benson vows impartiality on Saline data center · Oct 11, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  2. Oct 6
    endorsement
    Detroit Free Press endorses McDonald Rivet for Michigan's 8th Congressional District

    The Detroit Free Press editorial board listed McDonald Rivet as its endorsed choice for the 8th Congressional District in its midterm endorsements published October 6–8.

    Governor, SOS, AG, U.S. Senate, House, state Legislature ... · Oct 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  3. Oct 5
    endorsement
    U.S. Chamber of Commerce presents McDonald Rivet with Advocate for American Business Award

    The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recognized McDonald Rivet with its Advocate for American Business Award at an event in Grand Blanc during the National Free Enterprise Express Opportunity Tour, citing her commitment to policies supporting economic growth.

    U.S. Chamber of Commerce Recognizes Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet with the Advocate for American Business Award during the National Free Enterprise Express Opportunity Tour · Oct 5, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  4. Oct 2
    news
    Coast Guard commits to restoring full staffing at Saginaw River station in 2027

    The Coast Guard announced plans to restore full staffing and 24-hour search-and-rescue operations at the Saginaw River station in 2027, contingent on FY2027 appropriations. McDonald Rivet said she had pressed for the restoration and would continue working to accelerate it.

    Essexville Coast Guard station among 6 returning to full operations · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  5. Sep 29
    filing
    McDonald Rivet listed on general-election ballot for Michigan's 8th Congressional District

    A race database recorded McDonald Rivet and Tom Smith as the candidates on the general-election ballot for Michigan's 8th Congressional District as of September 29, 2026.

    Kristen McDonald Rivet, Michigan House, District 8 candidate · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  6. Sep 24
    endorsement
    Detroit News editorial board endorses McDonald Rivet for Michigan's 8th District

    The Detroit News editorial board endorsed McDonald Rivet, while criticizing Republican nominee Tom Smith's readiness as a candidate and discussing reports about his prior social-media posts.

    Detroit News endorsement in Michigan's 8th Congressional District race · Sep 24, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  7. Sep 23
    debate
    GOP opponent Smith skips SVSU debate forum; McDonald Rivet had accepted invitation

    MLive reported that Smith would not attend a Saginaw Valley State University candidate forum, causing it to be cancelled. McDonald Rivet had accepted the invitation, and her campaign manager said she was eager to debate her opponent.

    GOP Congressional candidate to skip mid-Michigan debate forum, drawing criticism · Sep 23, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  8. Sep 22
    news
    McDonald Rivet and Democratic Women's Caucus urge HHS to withdraw Head Start rule proposal

    McDonald Rivet joined the Democratic Women's Caucus in urging the Department of Health and Human Services to withdraw a proposed rule affecting Head Start programs.

    McDonald Rivet, Democratic Women's Caucus Urge HHS ... · Sep 22, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  9. Sep 16
    news
    McDonald Rivet and Davis lead bill to end data center tax breaks

    McDonald Rivet joined Rep. Davis in leading legislation aimed at ending tax breaks for data centers, per a press release tracked by Quiver Quant.

    McDonald Rivet, Davis Lead Bill to End Data Center Tax ... · Sep 16, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  10. Aug 4
    news
    Tom Smith wins Republican primary, setting up general election race against McDonald Rivet

    Tom Smith won the Republican nomination for Michigan's 8th Congressional District, despite having previously suspended his campaign and endorsed another candidate. He will face McDonald Rivet in the November 3 general election.

    Mr. Smith goes to Washington? Surprise nominee on polls, deleted posts · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab)

Endorsements

  • UAW Region 1 union
    Listed as an endorser in an election-profile compilation; no date provided. ivoterguide.com
  • Michigan Fraternal Order of Police organization
    Reported as an endorser on McDonald Rivet's campaign news page; no announcement date available. kristenmcdonaldrivet.com
  • Gov. Gretchen Whitmer official
    Listed on McDonald Rivet's campaign statewide endorsement page; no date given. May originate from her 2024 campaign. kristenmcdonaldrivet.com
  • United Auto Workers union
    Listed as an endorser in an election-profile compilation; no date provided. ivoterguide.com
  • EMILY's List organization
    Listed as an endorser in an election-profile compilation; no date provided. ivoterguide.com
  • Michigan Education Association union
    Listed as an endorser in an election-profile compilation; no date provided. ivoterguide.com
  • Every District organization
    Listed as an endorser in an election-profile compilation; no date provided. ivoterguide.com
  • U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell official
    Listed on McDonald Rivet's campaign statewide endorsement page; no date given. May originate from her 2024 campaign. kristenmcdonaldrivet.com
  • Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist official
    Listed on McDonald Rivet's campaign statewide endorsement page; no date given. kristenmcdonaldrivet.com
  • Former U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee official
    Listed on McDonald Rivet's campaign statewide endorsement page; no date given. May originate from her 2024 campaign. kristenmcdonaldrivet.com
  • GIFFORDS organization
    Endorses McDonald Rivet for Michigan's 8th District in 2026; no endorsement date given on the candidate page. giffords.org
  • Sierra Club Michigan organization
    Listed as an endorser in an election-profile compilation; no date provided. ivoterguide.com
  • Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union union
    Listed as an endorser in an election-profile compilation; no date provided. ivoterguide.com
  • Michigan League of Conservation Voters organization
    Listed as an endorser in an election-profile compilation; independently confirmed by the LCV Action Fund endorsement announcement. ivoterguide.com
  • U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens official
    Listed on McDonald Rivet's campaign statewide endorsement page; no date given. May originate from her 2024 campaign. kristenmcdonaldrivet.com
  • Detroit Free Press newspaper
    Endorsed McDonald Rivet for Michigan's 8th District in its endorsements for the November 3, 2026 election. yahoo.com · Oct 8, 2026
  • League of Conservation Voters Action Fund organization
    Listed McDonald Rivet among endorsed candidates when congratulating her on her primary win. lcv.org · Aug 5, 2026
  • Michigan AFL-CIO union
    Endorsed McDonald Rivet for Congress as part of a statewide slate of pro-labor candidates. miaflcio.org · Jul 2, 2026
  • Michigan Farm Bureau AgriPac organization
    Endorsed McDonald Rivet for Michigan's 8th District in its 2026 primary endorsements announcement. McDonald Rivet acknowledged the support in a post dated July 8, 2026. michfb.com · Jun 15, 2026
  • Black Economic Alliance PAC organization
    Endorsed McDonald Rivet in October 2024; this is a prior-cycle endorsement, not a newly dated 2026 endorsement. kristenmcdonaldrivet.com · Oct 1, 2024
  • Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce organization
    Endorsed McDonald Rivet in October 2024; this is a prior-cycle endorsement, not a newly dated 2026 endorsement. kristenmcdonaldrivet.com · Oct 1, 2024
  • Detroit Regional Chamber organization
    Endorsed McDonald Rivet in October 2024; this is a prior-cycle endorsement, not a newly dated 2026 endorsement. kristenmcdonaldrivet.com · Oct 1, 2024

Campaign finance

Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.

Raised
$5.64M
Spent
$1.41M
Cash on hand
$4.25M

As of Jul 15, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record H4MI08218(opens in a new tab)

Sources 25

  1. [1] Jocelyn Benson vows impartiality on Saline data center(opens in a new tab) Oct 11, 2026
  2. [2] Kristen McDonald Rivet - State Senator, Dist. 35(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
  3. [3] Endorsement Category: Statewide(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
  4. [4] Freep endorsements in Nov. 3 midterm for U.S. Senate, House, state ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
  5. [5] Mr. Smith goes to Washington? Surprise nominee on polls, deleted posts(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
  6. [6] Kristen McDonald Rivet, Michigan House, District 8 candidate(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
  7. [7] Governor, SOS, AG, U.S. Senate, House, state Legislature ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
  8. [8] U.S. Chamber of Commerce Recognizes Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet with the Advocate for American Business Award during the National Free Enterprise Express Opportunity Tour(opens in a new tab) Oct 5, 2026
  9. [9] Essexville Coast Guard station among 6 returning to full operations(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
  10. [10] McDonald Rivet, Smith, and third-party hopefuls set for 2026 U.S. House race(opens in a new tab) Sep 30, 2026
  11. [11] Detroit News endorsement in Michigan's 8th Congressional District race(opens in a new tab) Sep 24, 2026
  12. [12] GOP Congressional candidate to skip mid-Michigan debate forum, drawing criticism(opens in a new tab) Sep 23, 2026
  13. [13] McDonald Rivet, Democratic Women's Caucus Urge HHS ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 22, 2026
  14. [14] McDonald Rivet, Davis Lead Bill to End Data Center Tax ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 16, 2026
  15. [15] Priorities - Kristen McDonald Rivet for Michigan(opens in a new tab) Aug 31, 2026
  16. [16] The Latest News(opens in a new tab) Aug 27, 2026
  17. [17] 2025 YEAR-END REPORT - Kristen McDonald Rivet(opens in a new tab) Aug 10, 2026
  18. [18] LCV Action Fund Congratulates Endorsed Candidates on ...(opens in a new tab) Aug 5, 2026
  19. [19] Congresswoman McDonald Rivet Statement Following ...(opens in a new tab) Jul 15, 2026
  20. [20] Michigan AFL-CIO Announces Sweeping Endorsements for Pro-Labor Candidates Across the State - MI AFL-CIO(opens in a new tab) Jul 2, 2026
  21. [21] AgriPac announces endorsements for 2026 primary election(opens in a new tab) Jun 15, 2026
  22. [22] Supreme Court weakens the Voting Rights Act and aids GOP efforts ...(opens in a new tab) Apr 29, 2026
  23. [23] Collaborating with our trusted partners | Stop Gun Violence(opens in a new tab) Feb 21, 2026
  24. [24] Kristen McDonald Rivet(opens in a new tab) Sep 30, 2025
  25. [25] WNEM: Michigan Congresswoman, Republicans Vote Down EV Mandate(opens in a new tab) May 1, 2025
Are you Kristen McDonald Rivet?
Claim this page to add a statement to voters and correct your details.
Sign in to claim
elect.link

Candidate pages are assembled automatically from public web sources. Every claim links to where it came from. Nonpartisan; no endorsements. Candidates can claim their page to add a statement and corrections.