A cluster of West Michigan Republicans gathered for pizza and politics on Tuesday evening as they cheered on their candidates and watched the voters pour in.
Former U.S. Congressman Pete Hoekstra from Holland had a disappointing night with a loss to incumbent Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow in the race for Michigan’s U.S. Senate.
Hoekstra, a businessman with Herman Miller in Zeeland has experienced the ups and downs of politics in his career.
He served 18 years in U.S Congress but had an unsuccessful run for Governor in 2010.
On Tuesday, Hoekstra and his wife Diane thanked the voters and supporters for all their hard work.
“It’s no fun to go through this process, you put your heart and soul into it you expect a night like tonight you hope you can be successful,” said Hoekstra
“There’s a lot of folks out here who put a lot of time and energy you feel like you’ve let them down, but you know we will move on we all have a love of country, we have a passion for the policies we have articulated,” said Hoekstra.
Hoekstra said he doesn’t know what’s next for his career just yet.
“I’m sure there will be some good opportunities. Like we’ve said before when the Lord closes one door it’s amazing what other ones he opens up we just don’t know what that may be,” he said.
