GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Republican candidate Paul Hudson expressed optimism as election night unfolded in Michigan's 3rd Congressional District, even after his loss too incumbent Democrat Hillary Scholten.
Hudson tells FOX 17 on election night that unity will be vital as the country moves past the 2024 election.
“I think the reality tonight to keep in mind is that half the country is going to be deeply disappointed in the results tonight,” Hudson told FOX 17 reporter Waleed Alamleh.
Hudson, took to social media to express not only his disappointment in the outcome but his gratitude for those who supported his bid.
“From my perspective, we need to win with class, we need to lose with grace, and then tomorrow, we need to wake up and come together as as Americans. That's really what's important here.”
Hudson is spent much of his 2024 election night at a watch party in downtown Grand Rapids.
“I’m loving the energy we're seeing out there. People have answered the call to go to the polls. Looks like we're going to have record turnout. That's a really terrific thing to see,” Hudson said.
During the course of the night Hudson expressed the beauty of the third district, consisting of parts of Muskegon, Kent, and Ottawa counties, which has voters with all ideologies.
“To me, that's a wonderful thing. It means we've got Republicans and Democrats and independents all in the same family, all living on the same street," Hudson said. "And it really means that your message must be a unifying message, not a divisive message that is just catering to one part of your base
and all its political ideologies."
The district has historically voted Republican, but has bucked the curb in two straight elections now by voting for a Democrat.
The third district also made changes by voting for the incumbent for the first time since 2018.
Hudson's campaign centered on finding common ground among voters, and avoiding divisive rhetoric.
“We've stayed out of a lot of the nonsense that's swirling in politics right now,” Hudson explained Tuesday night.
“We've stayed away from the divisive rhetoric and the nastiness, and we've really focused on a positive message for change, and that's really been resonating with the voters.”
“Everyone's voice is gonna be heard in this election. We're gonna have a lot of tight races come right down to the wire tonight, so we might be in for a late night.”
Hudson thanked his supporters, campaign manager and family, for their support. And will look for other ways to serve in the future.
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