McCann declares victory against Huizenga, delivering Michigan’s 4th Congressional District for Dems

Building on gains in 2022, Democrats have continued to make headway in Western Michigan as state Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo) claimed victory Wednesday against U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Holland Township) for his seat in Congress.

Unofficial results from the Associated Press, which has yet to officially call the race, showed that as of 9:45 a.m., McCann had 50.3% of the vote while Huizenga received 48.2%.

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If confirmed, McCann will conclude his time in the state Legislature and serve as representative for the state’s 4th Congressional District, which includes Allegan and Van Buren counties, and portions of Ottawa, Kalamazoo, Calhoun and Berrien counties. The win would be at least the third Michigan congressional district to flip to the Democrats, following wins by William Lawrence in the 7th District and Christina Hines in the 10th District.

“I am honored and humbled that the people of Southwest Michigan have put their trust in me to represent and serve this amazing district,” McCann said in a statement. “Thank you to the voters, and to every volunteer and supporter who knocked on doors and made phone calls, talked to their neighbors, and helped out in ways big and small. I will be forever grateful for your support, because you are the heart and soul of this campaign. And thank you to Congressman Bill Huizenga for his years of service to our community.”

While the nonpartisan Cook Political Report initially rated the district as a likely win for Republicans, its rating gradually shifted to “toss-up,” meaning either party has a good chance of winning. 

During a canvass launch organized by McCann’s campaign five days before Election Day,  U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly), said a Democratic victory in the 4th Congressional district would signal that “when Democrats compete, they win,” reflecting on U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten’s 2022 win in the neighboring 3rd Congressional District, previously considered to be a conservative stronghold.

“This victory belongs to the people all across Southwest Michigan, and it’s the people that I will work every day to serve – to take on the corruption and policies shortchanging our families, and work with anyone to make life better and protect the American Dream for our children. Michigan families deserve nothing less, and I look forward to getting right to work for the people of this district,” McCann said.