Former U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer has thrown in the towel on his bid for Michigan's U.S. Senate seat, dropping out of a race that's already brimming with GOP hopefuls, CBS News Detroit reported. The West Michigan native, who famously voted to impeach former President Donald Trump, was one of the notable contenders vying for the spot left by retiring Sen. Debbie Stabenow.
Meijer, who shared his decision in a statement Friday, cited a shift in "the fundamentals of the race" and the need to avoid a divisive primary as key reasons for his withdrawal, stating, "Without a strong pathway to victory, continuing this campaign only increases the likelihood of a divisive primary that would distract from the essential goal – conservative victories in November," according to CNN. However, not long before his exit, he had collected enough signatures to make the primary ballot showing that he was a serious player in the game.
Joining Meijer on the Republican sidelines are previous dropouts including former Detroit Police Chief James Craig, and Michigan State Board of Education member Nikki Snyder while remaining contenders for Michigan's GOP mantle include former Reps. Mike Rogers and Justin Amash, as well as former Wayne County Commissioner Sandy Pensler and Dr. Sherry O'Donnell, per NBC News. On the Democratic front, U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin leads with support from major party players beside contenders businessman Nasser Beydoun and actor Hill Harper.
The Grand Rapids scion, who briefly carried the mantle passed down from Hendrik Meijer's generations, found himself estranged from the favor of Trump loyalists, despite his military credentials and significant name recognition owing to the family's supercenter chain legacy. Trump didn't let Meijer's departure from the race pass without comment, lambasting the former congressman on social media for his impeachment vote and endorsing rival Mike Rogers, "Once he raised his very little and delicate hand to Impeach President Trump, his Political Career was OVER!" Trump wrote on Truth Social, "and now he lost to a GREAT Candidate, Mike Rogers, who will easily WIN the Nomination, and go on to WIN the Senate, BIG, in Michigan," showing the former president's influence still carries weight in Michigan GOP politics, as per NBC News.
