Written By Jameca Patrick-Singleton
Former Flint Mayor, Dr. Karen Weaver has decided against running for the 8th Congressional District Seat currently occupied by Congressman Dan Kildee. Weaver had initially considered running for the seat after Kildee decided to not seek re-election.
“Several people reached out to me immediately following Congressman Kildee’s announcement,” said Weaver. “People know that I am dedicated to the community, and had I served in this capacity, I would’ve done everything in my power to ensure that the 8th Congressional District had access to every resource possible so that residents could live safe, comfortable and high quality lives.
Weaver stated that she cites personal responsibilities as being the deciding factor in her decision.
In a statement regarding her decision she said “I was nine years old when Shirley Chisholm was elected as the first Black Woman to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. What an honor it would be to walk in her shoes continuing the fight for social justice. It was Chisholm who stated ‘You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.’
“I am proud to say my journey as a public servant has been marked by efforts to impact progress, but at this time, personal responsibilities are a priority, and prevent me from moving forward as a candidate for the 8th Congressional District.
“The Congressional seat requires strong, courageous, visionary leadership.
“I extend personal gratitude to Congressman Kildee for his service and wish him well on his retirement.”
Dr. Karen Weaver was the first female mayor of the city of Flint. She served from November 2015 until November 2019. She said that though she is no longer in an elected seat she has no plans to stop working for the community. Since leaving office she has continued her advocacy work through various roles including interim executive director for the African American Mayors Association and president and CEO of the Karen Williams Weaver Foundation. She has also hosted a talk radio show on 910 AM Superstation and co-hosts a podcast called “Black Money Matters.”
“I was taught at a very young age by my parents to always use my voice, to always advocate and be a change maker. So even though I’ve decided to not run for this seat, I’m still in the fight I’m still here doing the work, trying to help improve the lives of others” said Dr. Weaver.
