Some Democrats are worried the third time will not be the charm for a failed congressional candidate.
Carl Marlinga, a septuagenarian former judge and attorney, is telling Michigan Democrats that he plans to run again against GOP Rep. John James, according to two people with knowledge of the conversations who were granted anonymity to reveal private discussions. That’s sparked concerns among Democrats in Michigan and in Washington who believe he will once again tank their chances in the crucial battleground district.
Marlinga ran in the 2022 midterms, coming within a fraction of a point of besting James in what was then a newly created southeastern Michigan seat. He tried again two years later and lost by 6 points. (He also ran in 2002.)
His most recent runs have been marked by extremely potent attack ads from Republicans that highlight clients he represented during his legal career. Their tagline: “Pedophile protector Carl Marlinga.”
In a brief interview with POLITICO, Marlinga declined to comment on his future plans but said he had no imminent announcement coming and that he needed more time to decide his next steps.
Michigan’s 10th District includes parts of Macomb and Oakland counties and is among the more competitive in the state. But Democratic recruiters believe that Marlinga, who is saddled with baggage from his time as a judge and an attorney, cannot flip the district. They are eager for a fresh face.
“Between his age, refusal to run a serious campaign, and the ‘Pedophile Protector’ hit — Carl Marlinga running in 2026 would be an absolute disaster for House Democrats,” said a top House Democratic operative, granted anonymity to discuss internal party deliberations.
Marlinga has high name ID from his past runs and deep connections in the district. That makes him difficult to beat in a primary, even if he has struggled to prevail against a Republican in the general.
Democrats are especially eager to land a good recruit because they believe James is likely to run for governor in 2026 to replace the term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Her exit leaves a wide-open field and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s decision to mount an independent run could make the race more enticing to James, who ran and lost two statewide runs in 2018 and 2020.
Other potential congressional candidates that Democrats in the state have floated include state Sen. Veronica Klinefelt and state Sen. Kevin Hertel, brother to former congressional candidate Curtis Hertel.
Nicholas Wu contributed to this report.