Peter Hoekstra won the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate, defeating three other candidates.
With 18 percent of the precincts reporting, Holland-native Hoekstra was ahead of his opponents by more than 20 points.
The Free Press reports most polls favored Hoekstra over the other contenders.
Hoekstra will now face incumbent U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing) in the general election this November.
Mr. Hoekstra appeared to be leading in all reporting counties.
Michigan Radio's Rick Pluta reports Hoekstra told a primary night party in Pontiac that he will campaign simultaneously against Stabenow and President Obama.
“We are sending a message to the president. We are sending a message to Debbie Stabenow. We are going to hold you accountable for the last three and a half years because the people of Michigan believe we can do better," he said.
In a press release, National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman John Cornyn said,
“This has been a spirited primary but I’m pleased to congratulate Pete Hoekstra on his victory tonight and look forward to supporting his campaign in the months ahead. “This November, Michiganders will have a very clear choice between continuing down the path of more reckless government spending, higher taxes, failed job growth and a record debt, or electing a common-sense, fiscally-responsible and proven leader like Pete Hoekstra who will focus on jobs first and foremost.”
In a press from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, spokesman Shripal Shah said,
“Congressman turned lobbyist Pete Hoekstra has spent his entire campaign pushing extreme Tea Party policies that would devastate Michigan’s middle-class and only benefit the same special interests that are paying his salary at a Washington, DC lobbying firm. Congressman Hoekstra’s agenda would cut taxes for millionaires, billionaires, Big Oil, and corporations that ship jobs overseas while privatizing Medicare and Social Security for the rest of us. Hoekstra’s extreme agenda might make him a perfect influence peddler in Washington, but it would make him a terrible Senator for Michigan’s middle-class.”
Check back in with Michigan Radio for more election results.
-Elaine Ezekiel, Michigan Radio Newsroom
