Peter Meijer’s campaign launch on Monday for a Senate seat in Michigan was met with swift opposition from his Republican Party and criticism that the ex-congressman was out of step with GOP voters.
Mr. Meijer, who voted to impeach President Trump, was ousted from the House in the 2022 election when he lost in the Republican primary.
He now seeks to replace retiring Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow.
Mr. Meijer’s entry into the crowded field has Senate Republicans’ campaign arm concerned he could act as a spoiler helping defeat the preferred GOP candidate in the crucial battleground state.
“Peter Meijer isn’t viable in a primary election, and there’s worry that if Meijer were nominated, the base would not be enthused in the general election,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee Executive Director Jason Thielman.
The NRSC, which is backing former Rep. Mike Rogers in the race, privately urged Mr. Meijer against running, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Mr. Meijer shot back at the NRSC in a statement to The Washington Times.
“Not surprised that D.C. Republicans prefer someone who won’t rock the boat and will do as he’s told. That’s not me,” Mr. Meijer said. “Call me old-fashioned, but I care more about what Michigan voters think. NRSC admits on background that they’d prefer a centrist, and that’s fine. That’s not me either. I’m a constitutionalist conservative.”
Mr. Meijer was one of 10 House Republicans to vote in favor of Mr. Trump’s second impeachment for “incitement of insurrection” in the wake of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.
Former Detroit Police Chief James Craig, a more conservative Trump ally, is also running in the GOP primary while Rep. Elissa Slotkin leads the Democratic field.
Ms. Stabenow, 73, has held the seat for more than 20 years.
The Michigan Republican Party was also an initial critic of Mr. Meijer’s candidacy, posting on X: “Peter Meijer voted to impeach President Trump. Remember that.”
However, the group quickly deleted the “over-zealous” statement they said was from an intern and followed suit with an apology.
“The Michigan Republican Party remains neutral and supportive of all Republican primary candidates,” it said.
• Ramsey Touchberry can be reached at rtouchberry@washingtontimes.com.
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