Peter Meijer, a Republican who made headlines for voting to impeach former President Donald J. Trump, has announced his decision to drop out of the Republican primary race for U.S. Senate in Michigan. In a Facebook post, Meijer cited the changing dynamics of the race and the lack of a clear path to victory as reasons for his withdrawal.
Meijer was up against a crowded field in the primary, including Mike Rogers, a former House member who was endorsed by Trump for the Senate seat. The Secretary of State’s office confirmed Meijer’s exit from the race, with his name no longer appearing on the ballot for the upcoming primary.
The timing of Meijer’s withdrawal is significant, coming just five days before Trump’s scheduled rally in Michigan, where he is expected to support Rogers. Meijer expressed concerns about a divisive primary that could detract from the goal of conservative victories in the general election.
The Senate seat in Michigan, currently held by Democrat Debbie Stabenow, has attracted a number of Republican contenders aiming to flip the seat in a closely divided Senate. Despite Meijer’s departure, another Trump critic, Justin Amash, remains in the race, adding to the mix of candidates vying for the nomination.
Meijer, a scion of the Meijer supermarket empire and an Army Reserve veteran, previously served in the House but was ousted during the 2022 midterm elections by a far-right challenger endorsed by Trump. His decision to withdraw from the Senate race has sparked speculation about his future political aspirations.