Former congressman Paul Mitchell passed away on Sunday, August 15, 2021 after a battle with renal cancer.
Mitchell presided over Michigan’s 10th District in the U.S. from 2016 until 2020, when he decided not to run for a third term so he could spend more time with his family.
Mitchell was honored on the U.S. House floor by many of his colleagues earlier this year as they hoped to encourage him in his battle with cancer. They spoke about their respect for him and the many ways he touched their lives.
Rep. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan’s 8th District said, “Whether you were on the left or on the right, Paul worked with you to get things done. These days some might call that behavior an independent…being a Maverick, but to us, that was just Paul.”
Mitchell is survived by his wife Sherry and their six children. In a statement to the press, Sherry said, “Paul was a better human than me. I wanted no part of public life, keeping all of him for our family alone and the safety of complacence. I am immensely proud of him and never more so than when he was the lone voice in a sea of politicians who cared more about power than the true definition of the office.”
Congresswoman Lisa McClain, current rep of the 10th District, said in a statement, “Today we mourn the passing of former Rep. Paul Mitchell, who was an advocate for improving Michigan’s 10th Congressional District during his time in office. My thoughts and prayers are with Paul’s wife Sherry and the entire Mitchell family.”
Governor Whitmer said in a statement, “Congressman Paul Mitchell was a fierce, independent voice for Michiganders. Throughout his tenure in the United States Congress, he led with his values and always spoke out for what he felt was right, even when he had to go against his own party, the president, or conventional political wisdom. After an incredibly successful career in the private sector, Paul entered public life, channeling his passion for people and innovative mind to help his neighbors and community succeed. He embodied values that we all aspire to have—he was independent, witty, and principled. Simply put, he was Paul, a joyful warrior for the people he believed in and for Michigan, the place that he loved. My thoughts are with Paul’s family, his six kids, six grandkids, his staff, and all those who were lucky enough to call him a friend. Paul, we will miss you.”
Sherry Mitchell asked that those who want to honor Paul to “give someone your time in a meaningful way” and make a financial donation to a local foster care charity.
Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand
