Republican Robert Lulgjuraj suspends campaign for Michigan’s 10th Congressional District

With less than three weeks before the Aug. 4 primary election, Republican Robert Lulgjuraj announced Tuesday that he is suspending his campaign for Michigan’s 10th Congressional District.

In a video posted to Facebook, Lulgjuraj said President Donald Trump’s endorsement last month of fellow Republican, Army Capt. Michael Bouchard, left him without a viable path to the nomination.

“While I respectfully disagree with that decision and believe we were the true America First conservative in this race, I have always supported the president and will continue to do so,” Lulgjuraj said.

While Lulgjuraj believed Trump had “endorsed the wrong guy,” he said that after reviewing polling and other campaign data, he could “no longer see a path to victory.”

His departure leaves Bouchard, Justin Kirk and Steffan Demetropoulos competing for the Republican nomination. The winner will face the Democratic nominee in November. Democrats Eric Chung, former Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel and Christina Hines are seeking their party’s nomination.

Michigan’s 10th Congressional District includes portions of Macomb and Oakland counties.

The seat is open because Republican U.S. Rep. John James of Shelby Township is running for governor rather than seeking reelection. Trump also endorsed James in his gubernatorial campaign.