Written by Tanya Terry
Photos courtesy of U.S. Representative Kristen McDonald Rivet’s office
Although new 8th District U.S. Representative Kristen McDonald Rivet took the oath of office at the Federal Building and U.S. Courtroom in downtown Flint Jan. 27, she said her work for her constituents began almost immediately after taking the oath of office earlier in January in Washington, D.C.
McDonald Rivet told the Courier: “In the first three weeks, we’ve been assigned to committees. We’ve already had committee hearings in transportation and infrastructure. We all know that our roads are in terrible shape, and we have a lot of projects in this region that are really important, not just for the infrastructure, but also for the jobs that those create.”
McDonald Rivet serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the influential House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure.
Therefore, McDonald Rivet said she got to work immediately and she and others in Congress are working to make sure that continues to be worked on.
United States District Court Judge Hon. Shalina Kumar administered the oath. Kumar was nominated by Former U.S. President Joe Biden.
After the oath, McDonald Rivet said perseverance, hope and community “defines who we are.” She pointed out this applied to everyone from parishioner on the pews in Saginaw, to Michigan farmers, to seniors who’ve worked hard for year but now wonder if they will be able to afford their medications.
According to McDonald Rivet, in Washington she will be “laser focused on making things just a little bit easier by working to lower costs and keep out schools and neighborhoods safe.”
She added: “We all want good schools where our kids can grow to their full potential, to have safe neighborhoods and clean water, to have the chance to work hard for fair wages, to have a good life to comfortably raise our families, to own a home and retire with dignity.”
The local ceremony was attended by former 8th District Representative Dan Kildee, who did not seek reelection for the seat McDonald Rivet now occupies and is now serving as president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint (CFGF) effective January 2025. In addition, Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley, Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton, Sheriff Chris Swanson and many other local leaders were in attendance.

McDonald Rivet was also elected by her peers to serve as the Freshman Leadership Representative on the New Democratic Coalition.
That group consists of moderate lawmakers in the House who are committed to solving problems by working together with members of both parties.
Prosecutor Leyton said McDonald Rivet could make a difference for Michigan families through her work on the coalition.
The 8th District includes all of the cities of Flint, Saginaw and Bay City. It stretches from Fenton on the south to the Pinconning area on the north and now includes parts of Midland County.