DEARBORN — U.S. Rep. John Dingell announced this week that he will seek re-election.

U.S. Rep. John Dingell poses with Arab American leaders in 2009.

“Congressman Dingell cited Michigan’s economic woes and the need to fight to protect the interests of working families as the key factors in his decision,” his campaign spokespeople said in a release.
“Now is not the time to walk away,” Dingell said. “I have the experience and determination to make sure we are doing what we have to do to create jobs and get this economy back on its feet.”

Dingell, 83, is the longest-serving member of the U.S. Congress. He first took office representing Dearborn in 1955.

He commands a great deal of influence in the House on health care, the auto industry, energy and consumer protection.