KENT COUNTY, Mich — After a single term in the United States Congress, Peter Meijer has conceded the primary election for Michigan's Third Congressional District to challenger John Gibbs.
Just days after Meijer was sworn into office in 2021, rioters stormed the U.S. Capital on Jan. 6 as a joint session was voting to certify Joe Biden as president.
Meijer voted to impeach Donald Trump for his role in the insurrection, facing backlash from conservatives over the move.
Gibbs held roles in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and was tapped as acting assistant secretary of the department during the Trump administration. Trump endorsed Gibbs heading into the primary election.
After the race was called, Gibbs spoke with 13 ON YOUR SIDE about his plan looking ahead to the general election.
"After we got the good news and the race was called, we did get a call from President Trump, who just wanted to congratulate me," Gibbs said. "He was very excited and said get back to work hard real soon, because it's going to be tough going into November, and we know that, and we're gonna be ready for it, so I think it'll be a good race."
Meijer released a statement overnight conceding the race. In it, he says he will continue to fight for Michigan residents.
"I believe our community and our values are worth fighting for," the statement reads in part. "Though this was not the outcome we hoped for, I will continue to do everything possible to move the Republican Party, West Michigan and our country in a positive direction."
Gibbs will face off against Democratic challenger Hillary Scholten in the general election in November.
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