Veteran and former federal worker Ben Ambrose secured the Democratic nomination in Michigan’s 2nd Congressional District Primary Wednesday afternoon.
The Associated Press called the race for Ambrose at 4:36 p.m. with 44.3 percentage points to Ambrose.
"I am deeply honored and humbled to have earned the Democratic nomination," Ambrose wrote in a statement. "To every voter who placed their trust in me, thank you. This victory belongs to the record number of thousands of people across our district who believe it’s time for a new generation of leadership rooted in service, integrity and putting people before politics."
Ambrose narrowly beat his primary opponent Jamie Hill, a physician assistant and former paramedic, by two percentage points (42.3%). Clyde Welford, a teacher and commissioner in Lake County, garnered 13.4% of the vote.
"I want to sincerely congratulate Jamie Hill and Clyde Welford on hard-fought campaigns," Ambrose said. "Running for public office takes courage, sacrifice and a genuine commitment to your community."
According to his campaign website, some of the top issues Ambrose, a Hespira native, wants to address if elected in November include:
- Addressing affordability and increasing job opportunities
- Working on Michigan’s K-12 and higher education systems
- Making "Medicare for all"
Ambrose served in the military for 20 years before working for Oregon’s Democratic U.S. Senator Ron Wyden.
Ambrose will face incumbent Republican Congressman John Moolenaar in November’s general election.
Moolenaar has served six terms in Congress and said in a statement to WCMU that he hopes to continue serving west and central Michigan. The Congressman ran uncontested for the Republican nomination.
“Serving the people of Michigan’s Second District is a privilege I never take for granted,” Moolenaar said in a statement Tuesday night.
“Together, we have secured tax relief for working families, strengthened our national security, supported Michigan agriculture and manufacturing, protected our constitutional freedoms and cut wasteful spending. I will continue building on that record and fighting for the priorities that matter most to the families, workers and communities across our district.”
Moolenaar currently chairs the House Select Committee on China, where he has worked with other representatives on issues regarding Chinese affairs in the United States. He also serves on the U.S. House’s Appropriations Committee.
He is campaigning on similar issues such as affordability, healthcare and education.
