Written By Jameca Patrick-Singleton, with photos by Jameca Patrick-Singleton
Former Flint Mayor, Dr. Karen Weaver issued a statement earlier this week declaring that she is seriously considering running for the 8th District U.S. Congress seat. The seat will be vacated as a result of Congressman Dan Kildee deciding not to seek re-election.
Weaver’s statement said in part “As I contemplate a run for the 8th Congressional District, I am seeking counsel from family, friends, community leaders and various public and private sectors in our District.”
The statement also says that Weaver is planning to decide on whether or not to run by the end of the year.
Weaver was elected mayor of Flint in November 2015. She was the first female mayor of the city. At the time of her swearing-in, Flint was facing what is arguably the largest man-made disaster the country has ever seen, after the water supply was switched, causing lead and other bacteria to seep into the drinking water supply.
“I learned firsthand the importance of being that courageous voice for the people of Flint when residents faced the devastating impact of the water crisis,” said Weaver. “My administration put in place a holistic approach to recovery.”
Since leaving office in late 2019, Weaver has held positions in the non-profit and private sectors. She was named interim executive director of the African American Mayors Association in 2021, working alongside African American mayors throughout the country to ensure they had the resources and connections to help them successfully lead their cities.
“When I was mayor, the African American Mayor’s Association was there for me,” stated Weaver. “I was happy to be able to help give back to them in this way, but my local community was always on my mind. I would always think about how the resources that I was helping other people access could be used at home.”
Weaver also hosted a talk radio show on 910 AM called Karen About Flint.
“My favorite thing about the radio show was talking to the listeners who called in. I enjoyed hearing different perspectives about issues that face all of us
Weaver said that she has never stopped working for the people.
“I think that’s why it feels natural to me to consider entering into this race. I never stopped working for the people. I’ve always been here, doing the work in some fashion.”
