LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Former Congressman and Ambassador to the Netherlands Pete Hoekstra stopped short of formally announcing his bid for Michigan GOP chair in an interview with WKAR’s “Off the Record,” but he did reveal his plan for unifying the party.
Reporter: “One of the reasons you are here is some possible interest in being the next chair of the Michigan Republican Party. Is that accurate?”
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Hoekstra: “Yes, that is accurate.”
Reporter: “Why would you want that job right now?”
Hoekstra: “I’ve got a passion for this state. I see us heading down the path of where Illinois is today. I don’t think that’s the future that I see for the state. I think the Republican Party could have a platform that is very positive and can move this state forward. That’s what I want to do.”
Hoekstra told Michigan News Source he will “make up his mind” regarding formally throwing his hat in the ring and “make [my] decision in a few weeks.”
The embattled Michigan Republican Party is facing strife from inside its ranks. Former gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon, who lost to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Nov. 8, blasted Co-chairs Ron Weiser and Meshawn Maddock for working against her campaign.
Former Attorney General Candidate Matt DePerno and gubernatorial hopeful Garrett Soldano announced their intention to run as co-chairs last week, while ex-Detroit Police Chief James Craig stepped away.
Hoekstra said during the interview, “If I get in right now it will be a contest between Matt DePerno and myself,” Hoekstra told “Off the Record.” He said his platform would be simple.
“We want safety in our cities, we want affordability for our citizens,” Hoekstra said. “Life has gotten to be too expensive for them. We want fairness and we want a quality education system.”
When asked whether Hoekstra would ask his former boss President Donald Trump for an endorsement, he said, “This would probably be a race where [former President Donald Trump] is best sitting on the sidelines.”
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