Tim Walberg is the sole Republican, Gretchen Driskell is the sole Democrat, in the Michigan 7th Congressional District election.

This is among the election announcements and previews you can find at The Monroe News’ election section.

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg is unopposed in his primary bid for re-election to represent the 7th District in Michigan.

Democrat Gretchen Driskell is unopposed in her bid to be on the November ballot.

Each candidate was asked to answer the following question: What challenges will you face in your elected office because of the pandemic and how can they be addressed?

Answers were limited to 125 words.

REPUBLICAN

TIM WALBERG

Age, place of birth: 69, Chicago

Address: (campaign office) PO Box 1362, Jackson, MI, 49204

Spouse: Sue Children: Matt, Caleb and Heidi

Occupation, employer: Member of Congress, U.S.

House of Representatives, 2007-09, 2011-present

Education: Wheaton College, 1977-78, master’s in communications; Moody Bible Institute & Taylor University, Fort Wayne, Ind., 1970-75, bachelor’s in religious education; Western Illinois University, 1969-70, forestry major

Memberships: National Rifle Association, Right to Life Michigan, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, American Motorcyclist Association

Length of residency: 43 years

Public offices held: Member of Congress, U.S. House of Representatives, 2007-09, 2011-present; State Representative, Michigan House of Representatives, 1983-1999

Answer: Congress has passed four bipartisan legislative responses which President Trump has signed into law to aggressively respond to the pandemic. Most significantly, the CARES Act, became law at the end of March. While an imperfect bill, the CARES Act included necessary provisions to help workers, small businesses and medical professionals.

For workers, an economic impact payment of $1,200 went to many families. To help those who got laid off, unemployment insurance is also expanded to include self-employed and contract workers, while benefits are increased for up to four months. A continued spirit of collaboration — neighbors helping neighbors, public and private sectors joining forces, and a whole-of-government approach — is needed to guide us through this crisis and return us to a healthy economy.

DEMOCRAT

GRETCHEN DRISKELL

Age, place of birth: 61; Port Washington, N.Y.

Street Address: 320 N Ann Arbor St., Saline, MI 48176

Children: 3

Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Lynchburg College; master’s degree in business, George Washington University; master’s degree in public administration, University of Michigan

Memberships: Saline Rotary, Ducks Unlimited, Union Sportsmen Alliance

Length of residency: 32 years

Public offices held or sought: Saline City Council (1993-1998); Mayor of Saline (1999-2012); Michigan State Representative 52nd District (2013-2016); ran for Congress in 7th Congressional District, 2016 & 2018

Answer: The challenges our country faces due to the pandemic affect us all. The primary concern of protecting lives will continue until we have a vaccine. The pandemic has clearly shown the disproportionate impact on low income workers and communities of color. When I begin office next year as your congresswoman, I will work to ensure that everyone has equal access to affordable health care and prescription drugs. I will work in a bipartisan manner to ensure that we do more to prevent future health crises by investing in protection and national planning. When we are more prepared as a country, we will be able to prevent the negative impacts that the pandemic has had on our lives and our jobs.