Tom Barrett thinks abortion won’t be a big a factor in 2024 because his opponent is a man

Former Michigan state Sen. Tom Barrett (R) is once again running to represent Michigan’s Seventh Congressional District, a race he thinks will not heavily focus on abortion because his opponent isn’t a woman this time.

In 2022, Barrett sought the same seat which was held by Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D). Abortion was a main focal point in the wake of Roe v. Wade being overturned months prior, but Barrett thinks things will be different in 2024. During an interview with the Washington Examiner published Friday, Barrett said his opponent not being a woman will contribute to abortion not being a large factor this time.

“My opponent is not a woman. He does not have the depth of resources that Slotkin had,” Barrett said. “The top of the ticket should be far more competitive. The abortion proposal, which dominated the race and every race in America seemingly two years ago, is not on the ballot in Michigan this year.”

With Slotkin now running for the U.S. Senate, Barrett is again vying for the seat his campaign spent millions to obtain in 2022. At the time, Barrett’s campaign took a major blow when his website suddenly removed an anti-abortion issue section. This was after months of manufacturing a staunch anti-abortion stance, which included sending out flyers labeling himself 100% pro-life with no exceptions.

During the same election, voters in Michigan approved a reproductive freedom ballot initiative, which passed with 56.7% of the vote. Barrett will likely face Democratic former state Sen. Curtis Hertel in the November general election.