(WWJ) Former two-term Macomb County Congressman Paul Mitchell — who left the Republican party over what he called unfounded conspiracy theories about last year's election — has died.
Mitchell's wife, Sherry Mitchell, Monday morning confirmed her husband's death at age 64, following a battle with renal cancer.
“My greatest comfort in this horrific ordeal that cancer brings is that everyone tells me how lucky we are to have such wonderful kids who loved and supported him so deeply,” she said, in statement.
“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."
Mitchell, who represented Shelby Township in Michigan’s 10th congressional district, chose to step out of public service over what he called the gridlock in Washington. Following Republicans' refusal to accept the results of 2020 presidential election — i.e. Donald Trump's defeat — Mitchell requested that the clerk of the House change his party affiliation to "independent."
At that time, Mitchell said, "It is unacceptable for political candidates to treat our election as though we were a third world nation and incite distrust of something so basic as the sanctity of our vote."
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Those reacting to the sad news included Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, who called Mitchell "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," Whitmer said, in a statement.
"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.”
Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel said Mitchell was easy to work with, and was around quite a bit.
"He definitely was someone who reached out and remembered, you know, his base here in Macomb County, and wanted to make sure we knew he was in Washington, when he was in Washington," Hackel said. "But when he was here he was in the community, and he was involved...I'd see him at a number of events...and they weren't just political events."
"He definitely wanted to have his presence here back home, and I think that was maybe part of his concern about, you know, deciding maybe politics wasn't for him...the partisan aspect of it." Hackel added. "But also it took him away from being around the people, which I think he truly enjoyed."
Mitchell's wife said he did not want a state funeral, did ask that the Star Spangled Banner be played at his memorial.
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