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 finally called the race at 1:13 p.m. Wednesday, show McCann had 50.1% of the vote while Huizenga received 48.3%.

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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.”

Huizenga released a statement conceding the election on Wednesday evening.

“While this election did not turn out the way we had hoped, I’m incredibly proud of the campaign we ran and want to congratulate Sean McCann on his victory. God has blessed me with the honor of a lifetime to represent the people of Southwest Michigan in Congress,” Huizenga’s statement said. “To my amazing family, our volunteers, our campaign team, and everyone who knocked on doors, made phone calls, put up a yard sign, or supported our campaign, I couldn’t be more grateful. I’ve worked hard to make a difference for our communities, and I’ll always be proud of what we’ve accomplished together. I know God will keep calling me to serve, and I look forward to what comes next.”

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 had a good chance of winning. 

Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel said McCann ran a “vigorous and impressive campaign” to defeat Huizenga, which spoke to his dedication to delivering results for working people.

“Sean’s lifetime of service is simply continuing with a new, well-deserved title: Congressman. In Washington, Sean will continue to fight for working people and take on Republicans. I served with state Senator McCann, and I know Michiganders in the southwest corner of our state are in good hands,” Hertel said in a statement.

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.