NEW: Six Former Republican Members of Congress Endorse Democrat Sean McCann, Call for Change in Washington

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October 30, 2026

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NEW: Six Former Republican Members of Congress Endorse Democrat Sean McCann, Call for Change in Washington

Former Republican lawmakers break with their party, urge Michigan’s 4th District voters to elect McCann and hold Trump administration accountable

KALAMAZOO, MI — Six former Republican members of Congress, including a former U.S. senator, have endorsed Democrat Sean McCann for Congress in Michigan’s 4th Congressional District in the Ottawa News Network.

The endorsement comes from former U.S. Senator Gordon Humphrey (NH) and former U.S. Representatives Jim Greenwood (PA), Claudine Schneider (RI), Chris Shays (CT), Peter Smith (VT), and Steve Bartlett (TX).

In a joint statement, the former Republican lawmakers sharply criticized the Trump administration and Republican majorities in Congress for abandoning principles of fiscal responsibility, constitutional accountability, the rule of law, and ethical government. They urged voters to elect McCann to provide an independent check on the administration’s policies.

“Families across Southwest Michigan are dealing with rising costs, uncertainty, and a Washington that seems more interested in political fights than solving problems,” said Sean McCann. “I’m running to change that. I’ll stand up for working people, protect our fundamental freedoms, and fight back against policies that make life harder for Michigan families. I’m grateful that these former Republican leaders recognize what’s at stake in this election, even as we come from different political traditions.”

The former lawmakers’ op-ed outlines concerns about rising national debt, tariffs that increase costs for American families, threats to constitutional freedoms, foreign policy decisions, and a lack of accountability from Republican congressional leadership:

• “Meanwhile, as average Americans can barely afford to fill their gas tanks or put food on the table, Trump and his family and cronies have enriched themselves by billions selling foreign policy, influence, and pardons. And all the while, hardly a single Republican in Congress has had the courage or character to object to this criminal corruption.’”

• “We remain patriots who still believe in America and are dedicated to restoring our party’s and our nation’s wisdom and goodness,” the former lawmakers wrote.”

• “It is not despite the fact that we spent our political careers as Republicans that we level these criticisms of the current Congressional Republicans, but precisely because we proudly served our party when Republican values and policies were worthy of our loyalty.”

• “This year we implore our fellow Republicans in Michigan’s 4th district who share our concerns to vote for Democrat candidate Sean McCann for Congress so he can help to block the Trump administration’s worst policies and to send a message to Republican party leaders and future leaders that to earn your respect and support they must restore the party’s once principled and ethical reputation.”

READ THE FULL OP-ED HERE

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About Sean McCann:

Sean McCann has spent his career standing up to the powerful and on behalf of people in Southwest Michigan. From cracking down on slumlords to serving as a State Senator, Sean has fought to change broken systems. In the State Legislature, he stood up to polluters to protect Lake Michigan, and he cut taxes for working families.

Sean knows Washington is broken and he’ll fight for the change we need – banning members of Congress from trading stocks, negotiating for lower drug prices, and stopping massive tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations, so we put hard-working people first.

Born and raised in Michigan, Sean attended Western Michigan University before serving as a Kalamazoo Commissioner, State Representative, and now State Senator for Southwest Michigan. Along the way, he’s earned a reputation among Democrats and Republicans alike as a serious problem-solver who works across the aisle and stands up for families trying to make ends meet. 

As a husband and father raising his family in Michigan, Sean understands what’s at stake for working families. In Congress, he’ll bring the same work ethic, common sense, and determination he’s brought to public service throughout his career, and fight every day to make Washington work for people it’s supposed to serve. 

About the race for Michigan’s 4th Congressional District:

MI-04 is one of the country’s key 2026 battlegrounds. The R+3 district has been named a top “Red to Blue” race by the DCCC and rated a toss-up by Sabato’s Crystal Ball. Cook Political Report has consistently moved this race in Democrats’ direction, calling the district “a bright spot for Democrats.”  Poll after poll has shown Sean McCann leading Bill Huizenga, and McCann continues to post strong fundraising numbers. 

According to Cook, Sean McCann’s State Senate seat (MI-19) “makes up about a third of the 4th District and includes 45% of the 4th’s primary electorate.” Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson each carried MI-04 with more than fifty percent of the vote in 2022.

MI-04 covers Southwest Michigan and includes the cities of Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Holland, St. Joseph, Benton Harbor and the outer suburbs of Grand Rapids including Ottawa County.

Sean has also received endorsements from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Senator Elissa Slotkin, Congresswoman Hillary Scholten, former Congressman Mark Schauer, over 15 labor groups, and over 70 local elected officials and community leaders. 

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