Retired Ford Engineer, Don Ufford, Runs for U.S. House Seat as a Democrat
TL/DR –
Retired Ford Motor Co. engineer Don Ufford has announced his run for a U.S. House seat as a Democrat in Michigan’s 11th Congressional District. Ufford, who was the director of global vehicle engineering at Ford, says he wants to use his background in problem solving and teamwork to counteract the divisiveness he attributes to the Trump administration. Ufford will be competing for the seat, expected to remain a Democratic stronghold, against other candidates including state Sen. Jeremy Moss, lawyer Aisha Farooqi, and Republicans Mike Steger and Anthony Paesano.
Former Ford Engineer, Don Ufford, Announces Run for U.S House Seat
Former Ford Motor Co. engineer, Don Ufford, is set to enter the political arena, running as a Democrat for a U.S. House seat in Oakland County, Michigan. The 60-year-old resident of Bloomfield Township made his intention to contest in the 11th Congressional District known on Aug. 26, emphasizing his motive to counter the current political divisiveness and chaos he attributes to Republican President Donald Trump.
Ufford, who is running for office for the first time, hopes to succeed U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Birmingham, who is vying for the Democratic nomination for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat next year. “I’m not a career politician. At Ford, one of my main roles was to create consensus from differing perspectives… I look forward to bringing that mindset to Washington,” Ufford stated.
The former global vehicle engineering director at Ford released a video on social media, where he exploits his engineer background and his time spent leading teams that developed popular Ford models like the Ford Escape, Mustang, and F-150 pickup.
Post-retirement, Ufford worked for the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Office of Management and Budget. In his role, he played a part in the securing of a $50 million fund to train Michigan workers in maritime vessel and technology manufacturing.
In his campaign video, Ufford criticised the Trump administration’s handling of climate science, public education, and health care, arguing that these moves put individual freedoms at risk. Additionally, he stated that Trump’s haphazard tariffs have resulted in price hikes and potential economic instability.
“The tariffs are chaotic and business uncertain. They’re reckless… Business needs predictability,” Ufford noted.
Ufford’s experience in global vehicle engineering gave him the opportunity to work with Ford’s international operations, providing him with a deep understanding of their impact on Michigan businesses and workers.
Ufford’s Entry Adds to Competition for the 11th District Seat
By joining the race for the 11th District, Ufford is aiming for a seat that is expected to remain within the Democratic Party’s control. Ufford’s experience in manufacturing and his enthusiasm for workforce training initiatives could resonate with voters in a district that Stevens has prioritised these issues.
However, Ufford faces the challenge of securing substantial financial backing and competing against other candidates, including state Sen. Jeremy Moss, D-Southfield, who is well-versed in political circles in southeastern Michigan. Other candidates for the seat include lawyer Aisha Farooqi and Republicans Mike Steger, founder of a pro-Trump advocacy group, and lawyer Anthony Paesano.
—
Read More Health & Wellness News ; US News