Bridget Brink, the former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, announced her candidacy for Congress on Wednesday, aiming to represent one of Michigan's competitive districts. She stepped down from her ambassador role earlier this year, citing President Donald Trump's unfair treatment of Ukraine as a primary reason. Brink's diplomatic career spans multiple high-ranking positions within the State Department, encompassing roles in various former Soviet and Eastern European countries.
In her campaign announcement, Brink emphasized her mission to advocate for fairness and integrity in domestic politics, stating, "My next mission: to fight for what’s right here at home." Having previously been appointed to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Slovakia by Trump in 2019, she later became the ambassador to Ukraine under President Joe Biden in 2022, shortly after Russia's invasion of the country. Brink resigned from her position in April, articulating her discontent with Trump's approach to Ukraine in an op-ed for the Detroit Free Press, where she criticized the former president for pressuring Ukraine instead of holding Russia accountable.
In her campaign video, Brink asserted, "Appeasing a dictator never has and never will achieve lasting peace," reinforcing her belief in standing firm against autocratic regimes. She aims to confront political "extremists" and influence from powerful individuals like Elon Musk, denouncing Republican efforts to cut government funding and programs. Her campaign is rooted in a commitment to public service, drawing upon her extensive experience as a diplomat under five different presidents.
Brink is contesting for a seat in Michigan's 7th Congressional District, which encompasses regions in southern and central Michigan, including the capital city of Lansing. The district has proven to be a battleground in recent elections. In the previous year, Army veteran Tom Barrett secured the seat for Republicans, edging out Democrat Curtis Hill by nearly four percentage points in an open race. This marked a significant victory for the Republican Party, as they aimed to maintain their majority in the House.
Before Barrett's win, the seat was held by centrist Democrat Elissa Slotkin, a former CIA analyst who successfully transitioned to the U.S. Senate in 2024. As Brink prepares to enter the political arena, her campaign reflects her dedication to addressing domestic issues while drawing from her international experience. With the upcoming midterm elections, she hopes to gain the support of voters invested in restoring Democratic leadership in the House of Representatives.
