Bill Huizenga’s Brutal Week: Lost Jobs, Sky-High Gas Prices, $33K in Taxpayer-Funded Expenses… As Republicans Predict Huizenga’s Defeat

Five damaging headlines in one week paint a picture of an out-of-touch incumbent fighting for his political life

KALAMAZOO, MI — In just one week, the eight-term congressman has been hit with a barrage of brutal headlines: Michigan manufacturing jobs disappearing, farmers getting crushed by diesel prices, revelations that taxpayers reimbursed him nearly $33,000 for Washington lodging and meals, and even a prominent Republican consultant predicting he’ll lose in November.

The headlines speak for themselves:

Associated Press: “Republicans face midterm backlash from factory workers squeezed out of jobs by Trump’s tariffs”

Nearly 200 workers lost their jobs when Zeeland’s Howard Miller shut down manufacturing operations. The AP spotlighted Huizenga’s support for Trump’s tariffs and his opposition to congressional efforts to rein them in. One laid-off worker and Trump voter who now “plans to vote straight Democrat in the midterms” put it bluntly: “So much for bringing jobs back.”

The Detroit News: “Huizenga trying to stay afloat amid rising gas and diesel prices”

With Michigan diesel hitting $6.92 a gallon, southwest Michigan farmers and families are paying the price. The Detroit News put Huizenga’s support for Trump’s war in Iran and his votes against war powers resolutions front and center as his once-safe seat becomes a toss-up.

The Detroit News: “House reimburses lawmakers for D.C. expenses. Who got most from Michigan”

While families struggle to afford groceries and gas, Huizenga collected $32,893 in taxpayer-funded reimbursements for Washington lodging and meals in 2025, more than any other Michigan House member and the 13th-highest total in Congress.

The American Prospect: “Bill Huizenga Faces His Toughest Re-Election Race Yet”

Millions in outside money is pouring in to try to rescue Huizenga. But even local Republicans acknowledge the warning signs. An Allegan County Republican Party official admitted enthusiasm is down and McCann could pull off an upset.

Allegan County Republican Party secretary: “[Sean] McCann has done a good job being a middle-of-the-roader,” she told the Prospect.

WKZO: “Republican consultant predicts Democrats will win governor, U.S. Senate, 4th District US House”

And the cherry on top? Republican consultant John Yob is predicting Huizenga will lose to Sean McCann.

The bottom line: Huizenga’s problems aren’t just bad headlines. They’re the consequences of a record that’s catching up with him.

And now even Republicans are predicting the end of his career in Congress.

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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 in 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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