Former actress Melissa Gilbert announces run for U.S. Congress

Former actress Melissa Gilbert has announced her Congressional campaign.

Gilbert, who lives near Brighton, said she is running for the 8th Congressional District in a release. 

In a statement on her website, gilbertformichigan.com  said:

"I'm running for Congress to make life a little easier for all the families who feel they have fallen through the cracks in today's economy. I believe building a new economy is a team effort and we need to bring fresh voices to the table to get the job done."

Gilbert, 51, moved to Michigan a few years ago with husband and former actor Timothy Busfield.

She is best known for her long-running role of Laura Ingalls Wilder on the television show "Little House on the Prairie."

The district includes part of northern Oakland County as well as Clinton, Ingham and Livingston Counties.

Republican Mike Bishop currently holds the seat.

For more information, see gilbertformichigan.com