District 12: U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell wins re-election

U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell won election Tuesday to a second term, defeating Republican Jeff Jones in the 12th Congressional District.

Dingell was leading Jones in early returns, 64 percent to 29 percent, according to partial and unofficial results from the Associated Press, which declared the Dearborn Democrat the winner.

“Two years ago, the people of Michigan’s 12th District put their trust in me to be their voice in Washington and fight for the issues that matter to Michigan and this country: creating good jobs and growing manufacturing, fighting unfair trade deals, making sure health care is affordable and accessible and that a college education is within reach for working families,” Dingell said in a statement.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to continue to go to work every day for the people of the 12th District, and I promise you, I will never stop working on your behalf.”

Dingell took over the congressional seat after her husband, former U.S. Rep. John Dingell, retired at the end of 2014. He was the longest-serving member of Congress in U.S. history when he left the chamber.

Dingell has worked on improving relations with Republicans in Michigan’s congressional delegation and advancing federal initiatives involving the military and Great Lakes, among other issues, that help the state.

klaing@detroitnews.com