State Rep. Jim Lower (R-Greenville) announced Tuesday that he is no longer running to replace U.S. Rep. Justin Amash (MI-3).
Lower announced that he would challenge Amash in May, months before the Grand Rapids congressman announced his independence from the Republican party in July.
In a statement, Lower cited family and financial reasons for dropping out of the race:
"When I got into this race I firmly believed West Michigan needed a new voice in Congress and more effective, responsive representation by someone who knows how to get things done in a very challenging environment. I still believe that. But changes in our family (which will be announced soon) would make serving in Washington D.C. very difficult."
The remaining Republican candidates are Grand Rapids business executive Peter Meijer, Rep. Lynn Afendoulis (R-Grand Rapids Township), Grand Rapids business executive Joel Langlois, and Tom Norton.
