Great Rapids – John Gibbs, the Trump-backed challenger for U.S. Rep. Peter Meyer, won. in at the national level race of Western Michigan’s 3rd congressional district.
Political appointee in former Housing and Urban Development Agency of President Donald Trump, Gibbs positioned himself as an ultra-conservative replacement for incumbent Meyer of City of Grand Rapids, who was one of 10 Republicans in the House of Representatives have impeached then-President Donald Trump following the riots at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Gibbs announced victory early Wednesday morning on watch. party Him campaign headquarters in Wyoming, suburb of Great rapids.
Meyer acknowledged race around 1:30 am Wednesday in statement.
Gibbs had about 52% of in vote vs. 48% Meyer with about 87% of plot reporting in constituency including parts of Kent, Muskegon and Ottawa counties.
Trump called Gibbs shortly after 1 a.m. Wednesday to congratulate him and add, “See you.” soon. I am very proud of you John.”
Gibbs told reporters that Trump urged him to “keep it upand keep kicking ass.
In a victory speech surrounded by supporters in early morning hours Wednesday, he wished Meyer” best in his future efforts”.
“From here on outwe facing a challenge in november with Democrat, he said. – I think, out very favorable for us.”
Gibbs is expected face a general elections in County President Joe Biden won in 2020 and it was defined as one of the few areas in which Democrats may be able to of leaf through in hard middle term elections year. Cook’s political report changed in race from “toss up”thrifty democrat” after he called race for Gibbs.
The competition between Meyer and Gibbs garnered national attention as the Republican Party continues to fight with split between traditional conservatives and Trump supporters. If he loses, Meyer will be sixth of 10 Republicans in the House of Representatives who voted for impeachment leave at the end of his term. Two others faced primaries Tuesday.
Trump supported Gibbs, but, remarkably, did not come to Michigan to campaign for his in in final days of campaign despite Gibbs’ struggles with fundraiser when meyer and allies lily millions in opposition to him.
Dave Wasserman, USA House Editor of Cook’s political report, tweeted around 10 pm what’s the ‘biggest surprise of the night so far” was Meyer’s strength in Home.
But what turned out to be neck and neck race a lot of of the evening went like results came in Gibbs boost and further Meyer setup back. Shortly after the conversation with Gibbs on phone, Meyer released a statement congratulating him opponent.
“I’m proud to stay true my principles, even if it involved significant political cost”, Meyer said. in statement. “Although it was not the result we had hoped for, I will continue to do everything possible to move Republican Party, Western Michigan, and Our Country in positive direction.”
Impeachment loomed
Gibbs, 43, grew up up in lansing and studied computer science at Stanford University. He worked like software engineer for startups in Silicon Valley and finally joined apple in work on iPhone. Fluent in Japanese, he left California for Japan will serve as a Christian missionary for seven years.
he got his master’s degree in public administration of Harvard University joining Trump administration HUD watching homelessness programs as well as community development block grants. He moved to Byron Center, south. of Grand Rapids, after Trump’s allies recruited him into run against Meyer.
Gibbs called himself a Trump-approved replacement who says it was “mathematical impossible” for President Joe Biden will receive won 2020 election and defends claims of electoral fraud that has been rejected by courts, legislative investigations and reviews for absence of proof.
After the vote in Byron Center south of Grand Rapids On Tuesday morning, Gibbs was asked if he would accept results of these elections.
“We’ll see,” he said. “If the elections on in up-as well as-up It won’t be here problem.”
Meyer, 34 son of Executive Chairman of Meijer Inc. Supermarket. Hank Meyer. He grew up up in East Grand Rapids, attended Columbia University and served in army intelligence unit in Iraq.
He later worked as a conflict analyst in Afghanistan and received an MBA from New York University before running to succeed the Republican-turned-libertarian. former US Representative Justin Amash in 2020.
Meyer called himself an effective legislator who fought for veterans and pushed back against He argues that the Biden administration’s policies have contributed to high inflation and gas prices. He stands at decision Impeach Trump after his supporters surrounded the capital on Meyer’s third day in office.
“We always expected it to be tough race’, Meyer told The News early Wednesday morning before results came in. “There were many of close who counted us out weeks, if not months ago. IM proud of of what strength we have been able to demonstrate so far.”
Outside groups poured out more over $3.6 million for the GOP primary in the 3rd district race first supporting Meyer and opposing Gibbs. One political action committee backed by the Meyer familyPrincipled leadership for Michigan spent nearly $1.4 million. on in race this cycle.
Meyer campaign and the leadership of the PAC held more than $2 million this cycle, compared to with just less than $334,000 spent by Gibbs campaign.
But last Tuesday, Congressional Democratic Committee on Campaign announced it would be spend from $425,000 to run television advertisement in Grand Rapids area Gibbs boost in in last a week before the primaries.
The ad turned out to be fake attack on Gibbs, who was seen by many in both sides as move to promote his name among the Trump base. It claimed that Gibbs was “too conservative” for Western Michigan, but also said Trump “selected” him personally run for Congress, worked in his administration and will carry out Trump’s policies in office.
Meyer called these expenses hypocritical. Gibbs said of announcement: “I’m not know that their strategy I have, and I don’t care.”
Turn in western michigan
Sue Atkinson, polling station officer in Township of Grand Rapids, said she left her vote for Gibbs.
“I just voted for change,” said Atkinson. She added what did he feel like Meyer assumed that he would get her community’s support, and that she received two or three letters a day from him. campaign.
“We knew then that he was scared because he was mailing so much. That was the biggest deviation.”
On Tuesday evening, Meyer supporters gathered in the kitchen and bar of the Social House. in Grand Rapids city center to see results come in.
Rep. Tommy Brann of R-Wyoming attended the party. He said he supports Meyer because he is honest, humble and “good human”.
“I’m wrong too,” Branne said. of Meyer’s impeachment vote with which he disagrees with. “Just because he made one mistake doesn’t mean you run away from someone like.”
Mark Mochel of Great Rapids also attended the Meyer clock partywhich broke up around midnight. A self-proclaimed moderate conservative, he said he feels like he no longer has a “political home.”
“Radical on both sides control the conversation points and I think Peter Meyer represents more moderate position, he said. — I think it will cause huge damage to this community but also into the country if we push out any moderate from any side.”
About 10 miles to the south, Gibbs’ supporters kept watch. party Him campaign office on top of a real real estate mediation.
Some fans sang “MAGA” to the tune of “YMCA”, imitating letters with their hands are held high. They later danced to “Johnny B. Good” by Chuck Berry. Cheers erupted when early reports indicated that Gibbs leading 63% to 37% shortly after 9 p.m.
Brenda Wodarsky of Rockford was among those who danced.
“If they don’t win, people didn’t do their homework, she said. of Gibbs and Republican gubernatorial candidate Ryan Kelly, who lost on Tuesday conservative commentator Tudor Dixon. “They are listening instead of study. Everyone should do their own research”.
Also in Robert “RJ” Regan attended failed Candidate for the State Chamber of the Republican Party who was condemned by Michigan Republican Party chairman Ron Weiser after he told his daughters, “If rape is unavoidable, you should just False back as well as enjoy It.”
Gibbs and Meyer took similar positions. on a lot of conservative policies, including abortion, immigration, inflation and government expenses. Both upheld the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision cancel Roe v. Wade and not support exceptions for abortion in cases of rape or incest.
They don’t agree on in results and the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election: Gibbs claimed the 2020 election was massive with fraud and that Trump was true winner of in national presidential race, despite numerous checks and court cases at almost all levels of government don’t turn up evidence to support his theory.
Meyer admits that Biden won elections and Trump said “is responsible for incitement to rebellion.
Analysts say Meyer is the only candidate who costs chance in victory over Democratic nominee Hillary Scholten in in general elections in the newly formed 3rd, which is Biden won in 2020. Gibbs pushed back on this analysis, saying that Meyer will endure less of a chance because of its weakening support among their party.
“If John Gibbs wins this primary, then the Democrats will take this seat as long as Hillary Scholten lives. on Election Day.” — Adrian Hemond, CEO of consulting firm Grassroots Midwest told The News last month.
“It’s an ultra-competitive seat, and if the Republicans didn’t have a rich incumbent with very good biography and more moderate tone in this area, they will in the trouble is here. And if Congressman Meyer loses, that’s where they’ll be.”
rbeggin@detroitnews.com
