Last Updated on August 3, 2022
U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer (R-MI) — who voted to impeach President Donald Trump — was defeated by America First challenger John Gibbs in Tuesday’s primary. Meijer become the second of ten pro-impeachment Republicans to be defeated at the ballot box while an additional four have announced their retirements.
Meijer joined U.S. Rep. Tom Rice (R-SC) in losing a primary challenge after voting to impeach the 45th U.S. President. Four others — Reps. John Katko (R-NY), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Fred Upton (R-MI) and Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH) — have announced their retirements rather than face likely defeat in primary challenges.
Meijer voted to impeach Trump after the January 6 Capitol protests. The outgoing Republican has agreed with his Democrat colleagues that the peaceful protest was a “threat to Democracy” and joined them in voting for the establishment of the January 6 Congressional Committee.
His opponent, John Gibbs, is a staunch Trump ally who worked in the administration. He has called for a massive overhaul of U.S. election systems and has called for thorough investigations into fraud that took place during the 2020 election.
On Wednesday, Trump celebrated Gibbs’ victory in a post on Truth Social. “Fantastic night in Michigan!Tudor Dixon will be a great Governor. John Gibbs WON with a big surge in the end. Not a good time for Impeachers – 7 down, 3 to go! Thank you Michigan!” Trump wrote in the post.
Before AP officially called the race for Gibbs early Wednesday morning, Meijer conceded the race. “A constitutional republic like ours requires leaders who are willing to take on the big challenges, to find common ground when possible, and to put their love of country before partisan advantage,” Meijer said. “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 now face Democratic nominee Hillary Scholten, who ran unopposed in her primary, in what is expected to be a very competitive race.
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