Slotkin upsets 8th US House district with win over Bishop

(WJBK) - A major upset happened election night in Michigan's 8th Congressional District, where Democrat Elissa Slotkin has claimed victory. 

The former CIA analyst defeated Republican Rep. Mike Bishop, denying him a third House term representing their southeastern Michigan district and flipping the seat to the Democrats. 

With 99 percent of precincts reporting, Slotkin won by a margin of 51 to 47. 

Slotkin, who worked as a CIA analyst under presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama and who advocates for public service, said that if she was elected Tuesday, she would push for affordable health care. 

"We were told it was unwinnable, I just couldn't be prouder of the campaign that we built," Slotkin said of the results. "I'm ready to get to work talking about healthcare, campaign finance reform; I want to get to work. So we're thrilled!"

Both parties spent heavily on the race, with Democrats sensing that the typically reliable Republican district was vulnerable. 

Bishop says after serving two terms in Congress, he's ready to see what the future holds. 

"We often feel persecuted in situations like this. Thanks to my family, my extended family, for suffering through all these commercials and craziness but what we've got to do is forgive and move on, and seek peace. And that's what I'm going to do," he said Tuesday night. 

Two others also ran: Libertarian Party candidate Brian Ellison and U.S. Taxpayers Party candidate David Lillis.