Michigan’s 4th Congressional District has, in its various iterations, been in Republican hands since 1935.
Covering the southwest corner of the state, including Holland, Kalamazoo and Battle Creek, the district is currently represented by Bill Huizenga, who won the seat in 2010 and is seeking his ninth term in Congress.
Huizenga, a solid conservative, faces a primary challenge from Phil Tanis, who describes himself as a “Milliken Republican,” in reference to the moderate late Michigan governor.
He is the former mayor of Holland who later worked for organizations attempting to establish democracies in Bulgaria and elsewhere, and has held various positions with the Reformed Church in America. He is currently on staff at Hope College.
Tanis says he is running a non-traditional campaign, not hiring consultants, accepting campaign donations or asking for endorsements.
His candidacy, he says, is about giving a “chance for thoughtful, moderate Republicans (and anyone else) to register their belief that our democracy works best when we work together.”
Huizenga, a father of five from Holland, is co-chair of the Great Lakes Task Force and a founding member of the House PFAS Task Force. His work in Congress has focused on securing the borders, checking the power of the federal government and limiting federal spending.
Bill Huizenga adds considerable clout to the Michigan Congressional delegation and should be renominated in the Aug. 4 primary.
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: GOP stronghold faces test in 4th Congressional District primary
Reporting by The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
