Former Rep. Peter Meijer (R-Mich.) has withdrawn his candidacy for Senate, according to a statement posted on the social platform X Friday.
“After fervent consideration, today I withdrew my name from the primary ballot,” Meijer he said in the declaration. “Without a strong path to victory, continuing this campaign only increases the likelihood of a divisive primary that would distract from the essential objective – conservative victories in November.”
Meijer, who voted to impeach former President Trump following the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, launched a Senate bid in November to replace Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.). He was one of 10 House Republicans to vote to impeach the former president after the Capitol riot.
“I am deeply humbled by the support our campaign has received, by those who have lent time and resources to get us to this point, and by the thousands of Michiganders I have met who have inspired me in the campaign,” Meijer said in the statement about X.
Meijer clashed with the Republican Party’s Senate campaign arm, the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), over his candidacy for the Senate seat. Former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.) was courted by the NRSC to enter the race.
“Peter Meijer is not viable in the primary election and there is concern that if Meijer were appointed, the base would not be enthusiastic in the general election,” NRSC Executive Director Jason Thielman said in a statement.
The Meijer campaign took its own jab at the NRSC, saying in a statement to The Hill: “It’s no surprise that D.C. Republicans prefer someone who doesn’t rock the boat and does what they’re told. That’s not me.”
“Call me old-fashioned, but I care more about what Michigan voters think. The NRSC admits it would prefer a centrist… and that’s okay. That’s not me either. I am a constitutionalist conservative,” the statement added.
Trump famous the news on Friday, attacking Meijer and another Republican who voted to impeach him after the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack: Rep. Dan Newhouse (Wash.).
“Congratulations to all the good Republicans! Peter Meijer, one of the 10 impeachers of your favorite President, ME, and someone considered to have a very good political future, has just withdrawn from the Senate race in the Great State of Michigan,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“After he raised his dainty little hand to accuse President Trump, his political career was over!” the former president continued. “Last time, he lost in the primary to a nice but unknown person, and now he lost to a GREAT candidate, Mike Rogers, who will easily WIN the nomination and WIN the Senate, BIG, in Michigan.
He added: “Fortunately, the 10 Impeachers are almost done. Newhouse, Washington State, will be next – VOTE FOR JERROD SESSLER!”
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
