Dingell dynasty? Retiring congressman's wife to run for his seat
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Feb. 24, 2014: U.S. Rep. John Dingell, left, and his wife Debbie hold hands during a legislative forum at the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber (SWCRC) at the Crystal Gardens in Southgate, Mich. (AP)
Michigan Rep. John Dingell, the longest-serving congressman in U.S. history, may be retiring but his seat could remain in the family.
A Democratic strategist confirmed to Fox News on Tuesday that Debbie Dingell, the wife of the 87-year-old Democratic congressman, is planning to announce she will run for her husband’s seat, after he confirmed he will not seek a 30th term.
Debbie Dingell's plans were earlier reported by The Detroit News. The Detroit News reported the congressman's wife plans to make the announcement in Michigan’s 12th District on Friday.
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Debbie Dingell, 60, is a prominent Democratic activist and was widely expected to pursue the seat. She is a former General Motors executive and a member of the Democratic National Committee.
Political analysts told the Detroit News that Dingell would be a heavy frontrunner to win the race, but may face challengers in the primary.
Republicans are not expected to have much of a shot at picking up the seat, according to the analysts.
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Should she win, it would cement a continuation of a Dingell dynasty of sorts in the district. Rep. Dingell replaced his father after winning a special election following the elder Dingell’s death in 1955.
Dingell has played a role in a number of major pieces of legislation over the past nearly 60 years, including President Obama's health care overhaul.
Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., who was elected in 1964, is now in line to become the longest-serving member currently in Congress. Coupled with the retirement of Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., Michigan is poised to lose more than 90 years of service from its congressional delegation.
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Fox News' Mike Emanuel and The Associated Press contributed to this report.