On Tuesday, former Democratic Congressman Mark Schauer (D-Battle Creek) filed paperwork with the Michigan Department of State to run for governor in 2014.

Over the last month, Democratic Party Chair Lon Johnson worked to remove any formidable candidate from the race in an effort to avoid a costly Democratic primary. As such, Democrats see Schauer as their best opportunity to defeat incumbent Republican Gov. Rick Snyder. Gov. Snyder has not officially announced his re-election campaign; however, it is highly anticipated that he will run again.

Meanwhile, a number of statewide polls have suggested that the governor’s race could be close.  An EPIC/MRA poll released last month gave Schauer a 1-point lead over Gov. Snyder, 39 percent to 38 percent. Additionally, only 38 percent of the respondents approved of Gov. Snyder’s job performance. 

Schauer previously served in the Michigan Legislature for 12 years and the U.S. House of Representatives. He currently works as a business development representative for the Laborers-Employers Cooperation & Education Trust Fund.