Michigan Republican Governor nominee?
$674.1K
AUG 5, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleOther
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
Age72 years old (Oct 30, 1953)
GenderMale
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BackgroundPolitician
EducationHope College — B.A. (Political Science), 1975
Notable personal detailsCornelis Piet "Pete" Hoekstra is an American politician and diplomat who served as the U.S. representative for Michigan’s 2nd congressional district from 1993 to 2011, including as chair of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. He later served as U.S. ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands (2017–2021). He has served as U.S. ambassador to Canada since 2025.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
Supports cutting taxes and reducing government spending, including proposals to eliminate one of Michigan’s main state taxes and lower corporate and individual tax burdens to promote business growth and competitiveness. Opposes federal tax-and-spend measures and emphasizes deregulation and pro-business tax reform.
Healthcare
Advocates repealing the Affordable Care Act and replacing it with market-based reforms such as allowing insurance sales across state lines, expanding health/medical savings accounts, association health plans, and other private-sector solutions. Describes the ACA as a government takeover and argues for repeal and replacement rather than preserving its mandates. Expresses concern about Medicaid reimbursement and enrollment impacts and emphasizes private-market fixes to control costs.
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Immigration & Border
The candidate advocates enforcement-first border policies, supports reinstating the Trump-era "Remain in Mexico" policy, strict returns for those apprehended crossing illegally, and measures to bar legal status for several years for illegal entrants.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Pete Hoekstra opposes abortion and has a long pro-life voting record, including support for measures to ban partial-birth abortion and for proposals to grant legal protection to embryos/fetuses (personhood-style amendments). He has been endorsed by pro-life organizations and has described his congressional record as 100% pro-life; his stated exceptions are narrowly drawn, with an explicit exception for the life of the mother.
Climate & Energy
Supports expanded development of traditional energy resources and has criticized federal subsidies and tax credits for green energy as wasteful; favors market and trade approaches over government-directed clean-energy subsidies. Has expressed concern about enforcing fair trade rules rather than using large federal subsidies to pick clean-energy winners.
Public Safety & Guns
The candidate has a pro–Second Amendment, pro–law-enforcement stance and has advertised strong NRA approval while opposing mandatory gun-lock laws. His congressional voting record includes votes limiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers and reducing waiting periods, consistent with support for gun-rights policies.
News
Pete Hoekstra is in the news as a Republican candidate in a tougher-than-expected Michigan 2026 election environment. Recent coverage says GOP prospects are being hurt by rising gas prices, tariff pressure on the auto industry, and broader voter backlash, making the governor’s race more difficult than Republicans had hoped. Michigan election and voting rules are also a focus, with GOP-backed SAVE America Act-style measures advancing in the state and the 2026 primary date set for August 4.
When is Michigan's 2026 primary election? Dates to know
Republican states are pushing through their own versions of the SAVE America Act
Campaign support money grows along with profile of state attorneys general
Big Money Flows Into State Attorney General Races as Legal Battles Shape American Politics
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements
- Fundraising