Former GOP Rep. Peter Meijer announces Michigan Senate bid

• Meijer, 35, will challenge former Republican congressman Mike Rogers and former Detroit police chief James Craig for the GOP nomination.
• Democrats Rep. Elissa Slotkin and actor Hill Harper announced bids earlier this year.

What they're saying: "My wife and I prayed hard about this race and how we can best serve our state and our nation," Meijer said. "We considered every aspect of the campaign, and are confident we have the best chance of taking back this seat for the Republicans and fighting hard for a conservative future."

Between the lines: Meijer's announcement is no surprise.

• Speculation that the West Michigan Republican would enter the race has picked up in the weeks after Meijer formed an exploratory committee for a campaign.

Zoom out: Meijer was one of 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach then-president Donald Trump in 2021 after the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

• The action likely cost him his seat. Democrats boosted his far-right challenger in the Republican primary race, who eventually lost to Democrat Hillary Scholten in the general election.