LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The Associated Press has learned that former U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra plans to run for the seat held by Democratic Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow.
Two Republicans with knowledge of his decision say the Holland Republican has changed his mind about staying out of the race and plans an announcement soon.
Both spoke on condition of anonymity because the decision had not been made public.
Three Republican candidates already are in the Senate race, but none is considered a strong opponent to Stabenow.
Hoekstra held his congressional seat for 18 years before running for governor in 2010. He came in second in a five-way primary race to fellow Republican Rick Snyder.
Earlier this year, Hoekstra became a senior adviser at Dickstein Shapiro LLP, a law and lobbying firm in Washington, D.C.
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