Editorial: Our choice for Congress from the 5th District

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Residents of the 5th District have two good options this fall, but we think Tim Kelly, a Republican from Saginaw Township, deserves to go to Congress. 

The district, which encompasses Genesee, Bay, Arenac, Iosco, and parts of Saginaw and Tuscola counties, hasn’t had a strong Republican candidate in quite some time, and Kelly offers a conservative platform that may come as a welcome change for voters in the region. 

Kelly proved himself an excellent legislator during his six years in the Michigan House, and he led many important conversations and legislation on school reform, among other issues. He was term-limited at the end of 2018, when he left the Legislature. 

In his last term, Kelly chaired the House Education Reform Committee, as well as the House Appropriations Subcommittee on School Aid. Prior to his time in the Legislature, he served as education policy adviser under former Gov. John Engler. 

Kelly faces a tough race against incumbent Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint, who is seeking his fifth term. The Kildee name is well-known in the district, as Kildee’s uncle, Dale, had previously represented the district for more than 30 years.

During his tenure, Dan Kildee has worked to bring federal aid to Flint, following the water crisis there. And he has helped form the bipartisan Congressional PFAS Task Force to address the health threat from the chemicals around the country. 

If elected, Kelly says he’d support economic growth policies, less costly health care and prescription drugs, and expanded K-12 school choice options for families. Protecting the Great Lakes is also a top priority. 

Tim Kelly was a sensible, hard-working lawmaker in Lansing, and he’d be the same in Washington.

Endorsements are determined independently by The Detroit News Editorial Board and have no influence on news coverage.