Hoekstra decides against run for U.S. Senate

Former West Michigan congressman Pete Hoekstra said Friday he won't run for the U.S. Senate in 2012. In a letter to supporters, the Holland Republican said he and his wife, Diane, decided it was not in their family's best interest. Hoekstra's decision takes a high-profile Republican out of the race to challenge Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow.

Anonymous

Holland

Apr 16, 2011

Hoekstra had served in the U.S. House — representing the Michigan 2nd Congressional District, which includes Northern Ottawa County — since 1993. He didn’t seek re-election in 2010, instead opting for a run for the Michigan governor’s job. However, he lost the Republican nomination for governor in August — finishing second behind Rick Snyder, who went on to become governor in November.

— From The Associated Press and local reports