Note: For the Michigan Nov. 3 general election, WKTV’s We The People program invited participation from all candidates. If they participated, their videos are linked here, For those who did not participate, either a candidate-provided biography/issues statement, or simply their name is listed. All videos are 5-minutes or less, and were not edited in any way by WKTV. For this race only, due to COVID-19 related circumstances, the videos were recorded via Zoom.
The 2nd Congressional District U.S. House of Representative seat covers Lake, Oceana, Newaygo, Muskegon, and Ottawa counties in their entirety as well as portions of Allegan, Mason and Kent counties, including the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood. For a Michigan Congressional District map, click here.
The candidates are five-term incumbent Republican Rep. Bill Huizenga of Holland, Democratic candidate Rev. Bryan Berghoef of Holland, Libertarian candidate Max Riekse of Fruitport, US Taxpayers Party candidate Gerald T. Van Sickle of Wellston, and Green Party candidate Jean-Michel Creviere of Holland.
Bill Huizenga – Incumbent U.S. Representative, 2nd Congressional District
Occupation: Small business owner, Huizenga Gravel Co.
Why did you decide to run for this position?
As a husband, father, and third generation family small business owner, I understand what makes West Michigan such a special place. As a lifelong resident of West Michigan, I am committed to upholding the West Michigan values that we hold dear, creating new opportunities for hardworking families, and protecting our Great Lakes. As your representative, I have proven myself to be a leader in the effort to rein in Washington’s out of control spending, cut taxes for hard working middle class families, and level the playing field for Michigan farmers and growers.
However, the job is not done. We don’t need West Michigan to be more like Washington, we need Washington to be more like West Michigan and that is exactly what I will continue fighting for.
Please list two to three issues you feel your voters are facing:
As your Representative in Congress, my responsibility is to stand up and take action for West Michigan. During my time in office, I have led in uncertain times, worked to create an environment for new and better jobs, and stood up for West Michigan common sense.
When COVID-19 struck, I introduced legislation to help keep doctors and nurses at work, deliveries on the road, and food on the shelves at the local grocery stores. As a small business owner, I understand the challenges of today’s economy. I am working hard to ensure that everyone in West Michigan has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Foremost, I never forget that I represent the people of West Michigan, which is why I will continue fighting for quality education, affordable health-care, protection of the unborn, and the protection of the Great Lakes.
Rev. Bryan Berghoef — Candidate U.S. Representative, 2nd Congressional District
Occupation: Pastor
Why did you decide to run for this position?
As a pastor, my job is to listen to people. The job of a representative is also to listen, and too many folks don’t feel they are being listened to or that their voice is represented in Congress. I’d like to change that.
Please list two to three issues you feel your voters are facing:
COVID. People want a thorough, national response, and need COVID relief passed.
Healthcare. We need to make coverage more affordable, and protect coverage for pre-existing conditions.
Environment. We must protect the Great Lakes, address the threat of climate change, and move toward cleaner sources of energy.
Max Riekse — Candidate U.S. Representative, 2nd Congressional District
Gerald T. Van Sickle — Candidate U.S. Representative, 2nd Congressional District
Jean-Michel Creviere — Candidate U.S. Representative, 2nd Congressional District
