Republican Tom Barrett beat out Democrat Curtis Hertel for Michigan's 7th District in mid-Michigan. He won due to having name recognition as well as partisan trends and his veteran status.

GOP former state Sen. Tom Barrett was ahead of former Democratic state Sen. Curtis Hertel Jr. in a race that could determine control of the U.S. House

Tom Barrett flipped Michigan's competitive 7th Congressional District from blue to red, besting Democrat Curtis Hertel in Tuesday's election. With an estimated 99% of the vote in, Barret received 50% of the vote while Hertel trailed with 47%,