Paul Mitchell graduated from Michigan State University in 1978 and subsequently owned and operated Ross Medical Education Center. He engaged in political activities by running for the Michigan State Senate and leading a campaign against a ballot proposition. Mitchell transitioned to congressional politics, winning a seat in Michigan's 10th congressional district in 2015. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he was a member of the Republican Study Committee and voted on healthcare legislation. In December 2020, Mitchell announced his departure from the Republican Party to serve as an independent.

Paul Mitchell's political identity is marked by an ideological agility that defies conventional party lines. He initially aligned with the Republican Study Committee but broke from the party to serve as an independent, showcasing a willingness to act against partisan constraints. His legislative support for the American Health Care Act contrasts with his vocal opposition to divisive rhetoric within his own party, revealing a nuanced approach to policy and principle. Mitchell's departure from the Republican Party underscores a commitment to independent judgment over strict party loyalty.