© 2024 MICHIGAN PUBLIC
91.7 Ann Arbor/Detroit 104.1 Grand Rapids 91.3 Port Huron 89.7 Lansing 91.1 Flint
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Amash declines to run for Michigan US Senate seat

Steve Carmody/Michigan Radio

CASCADE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) - A Republican congressman from western Michigan has decided not to run for the U.S. Senate seat opening with the retirement of Democrat Carl Levin.

Justin Amash of Kent County's Cascade Township confirmed on Twitter Tuesday night that he won't run. The libertarian conservative has gained a higher profile in the House with a challenge to the National Security Agency's collection of Americans' phone records.

Amash's announcement further clears the way for former Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land to proceed with her campaign.

Land is the only declared Republican candidate. Democrats have coalesced behind U.S. Rep. Gary Peters of Bloomfield Township. The other known Republican still interested in running is Ypsilanti cardiologist Rob Steele, who's had backing from the tea party.

Amash's decision was first reported by the National Journal.

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting.
Related Content