Conyers Will Have A Democratic Challenger In 2016 Election
DETROIT (WWJ) - Longtime Michigan Congressman John Conyers is facing a challenger for his Capitol Hill seat -- by a woman who currently works at Detroit City Hall.
Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey announced her intention to run in opposition to Conyers for U.S. Representative. With supporters around her -- Winfrey announced her run for the 13th District job says WWJ's Citybeat Reporter Vickie Thomas.
In November, the 86-year-old Conyers announced he'd seek a 27th term in office. Conyers became Congress' longest-serving member when John Dingell retired at the end of 2014.
In 2009, Conyers' wife Monica Conyers admitted taking bribes from Houston-based Synagro Technologies in exchange for her vote on a $47 million sludge hauling contract and served 27 months in a federal prison.
Conyers' wife of 25 years filed for divorce on Sept. 3, claiming a breakdown in the relationship.
Winfree has been city clerk for 10 years -- Winfrey was in the news in 2013 after putting her daughter on payroll days after she was re-elected to the city clerk position.
In March, Winfrey along with City Council President Brenda Jones addressed pay raises for elected officials stating they were overworked and underpaid, and have been for quite some time.
Jones makes almost $77,000 a year, while Winfrey pulls down around $73,000. Both also have access to take-home city-owned cars.
Under the Constitution, members of the U.S. Senate can serve an unlimited number of six-term terms and members of the House of Representatives can serve an unlimited number of two-year terms.
No Republican candidates have formally declared yet.