Bryan Barnett Is Running For Congress

By Andrew Kidd,
The Oakland Press
ROCHESTER HILLS

It’s no joke: Bryan Barnett is running for Congress. Barnett’s April 1 candidacy announcement for Michigan’s 8th congressional district confirmed rumors the Rochester Hills mayor is gunning for Rep. Mike Rogers’ seat. Rogers said Friday he will not seek re-election, leaving plenty of speculation as to who’s vying to fill his shoes. And that Friday announcement was all the notice he needed, Barnett said to a room of supporters and press Tuesday afternoon. He said that work began on his campaign the moment he heard the news that Rogers will not seek re-election. Barnett is running as a Republican. County and community officials were present at the announcement, held at EEI Global (1400 S. Livernois in Rochester Hills), including County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, who congratulated and voiced his support for Barnett’s campaign. Barnett said his candidacy was unique in that he was likely to be the only mayor in the running for the 8th congressional seat – a distinction that he said speaks volumes. “As a mayor, you’re responsible at the end of the day for results,” he said. “I’m a decision-maker.”