Alfonso withdraws from U.S. House race, but Huizenga faces a new opponent

HOLLAND — The candidate pool for Michigan's Fourth Congressional District has evolved, with one Democrat withdrawing and another Republican jumping in.

On Monday, April 22, Holland Democrat Joseph Alfonso announced via social media he's withdrawn from the race.

"After much consideration and reflection, I have made the difficult decision to suspend my race for Michigan's Fourth Congressional District," Alfonso wrote in the statement. "This decision was not made lightly, but after witnessing firsthand the toll it has taken on my family, I realize that now is not the time for me to continue this pursuit."

"While it may not be my time at this moment, I am committed to regrouping and refocusing my efforts," he wrote. "It is my firm belief that true leadership is not measured solely by results, but by the relationships we build and the impact we have on the lives of those around us."

The U.S. Marine Corps veteran filed a year ago for what would have been his second run for the seat, created in 2022 after redistricting in Michigan. The district now includes southern Ottawa County, Allegan County, Van Buren County and the cities of Kalamazoo and Battle Creek.

More: Joseph Alfonso announces second bid for Michigan's fourth congressional seat

More: Kalamazoo Democrat Jessica Swartz announces bid for Fourth House District

Alfonso's exit leaves Kalamazoo attorney Jessica Swartz the only Democrat in the race. A former attorney for Western Michigan University and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Swartz launched her campaign last summer, pledging to bring commonsense solutions to the challenges facing West Michigan communities.

Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, currently represents the district, and is seeking an eighth term in Congress. He'll face a primary challenger after Ottawa County GOP Chairman Brenden Muir filed to run April 22.

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Muir, who relocated from Oakland County to Ottawa County in 2022, was named GOP chair after Joel Studebaker left the role after only a few months to become former MIGOP Chair Kristina Karamo's chief of staff.

— Sarah Leach is executive editor of The Holland Sentinel. Contact her at sarah.leach@hollandsentinel.com. Follow her on Twitter @SentinelLeach.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Alfonso withdraws from U.S. House race, but Huizenga faces a new opponent