Troy mayor announces GOP candidacy for Stevens' open US House seat in Michigan

DETROIT - Troy Mayor Ethan Baker announced his Republican candidacy for Michigan's 11th Congressional District.

If successful, Baker would flip the congressional district, which encompasses much of Oakland County. Democratic U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens represents the district but is leaving her seat in her bid to represent Michigan in the Senate.

Baker is the lone candidate in the Aug. 4 Republican primary for the district, according to Oakland County election records. He will compete against the Democratic nominee for the district in the Nov. 3 general election.

In a news release, Baker said he would like to be a congressman who brings people together. He said challenges like rising costs, economic uncertainty, public safety, infrastructure, health and global instability are "too important" to be consumed by partisanship.

"(People) want stability, opportunity and a government that focuses on solving real problems instead of deepening division," Baker said.

Baker has served six years as mayor of Troy and on the City Council in the four years prior. He also was a special assistant to President Ronald Reagan during his post-presidency.

Baker announced his bid for Congress as he works with council members to find money for public facilities following the failure of a bond in November 2025. The 1.13-mill, 20-year property tax would have netted the city $137 million for parks, roads, public safety and a library.

-------------

Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.

This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 1:58 PM.