GOP former state Sen. Tom Barrett was ahead of former Democratic state Sen. Curtis Hertel Jr. in a race that could determine control of the U.S. House

Republican Tom Barrett and Democrat Curtis Hertel Jr. meet in Michigan's 7th Congressional District race in what could be one of the most competitive congressional races nationwide. The winner will take over the seat being vacated by Democratic Rep.

Tom Barrett flipped Michigan's competitive 7th Congressional District from blue to red, besting Democrat Curtis Hertel in Tuesday's election. With an estimated 99% of the vote in, Barret had received 50% of the vote while Hertel trailed with 47%.

Former state Sen. Tom Barrett flipped Michigan's competitive 7th Congressional District from blue to red, besting Democrat Curtis Hertel in Tuesday's election.

Republicans picked up a U.S. House seat after Michigan’s 7th congressional district flipped red early Wednesday morning. The Associated Press called the race at 4:05 a.m. on Wednesday for Republican Tom Barrett,

Republican Tom Barrett has won Michigan’s 7th congressional district. This flips the open seat in central Michigan away from Democrats.

Two former state lawmakers, Democrat Curtis Hertel and Republican Tom Barrett, both ran unopposed in the primary, setting up Tuesday’s general election showdown. Hertel served in the Michigan Senate and most recently worked as Michigan Gov.

Michigan’s 7th and 8th congressional district races remained too close to call Tuesday night. Republican Tom Barrett led Democrat Curtis Hertel 55.8% to 41% around 11:30 p.m. Eastern with 48% of votes counted.