A donation-free bid to unseat the incumbent

Phil Tanis, 61, the former mayor of Holland, is challenging U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga for the Republican nomination in Michigan's 4th Congressional District. Tanis announced his campaign Thursday, calling for a reset in tone and accountability for the district that spans southwestern Michigan.

"Our politics have lost their balance and our representatives their voice. It's time to restore civility, integrity, and genuine public service to Michigan's 4th Congressional District."

Tanis said Congress has "shirked its basic duties" and that "too many representatives have chosen silence over service, allegiance to a party over accountability to the people."

A campaign without outside money

Tanis is running a donation-free campaign. He said he would not accept outside contributions and instead focused his message on restoring civility and public service to the district. The approach stands in contrast to the well-funded operation of the incumbent.

According to Federal Election Commission reports filed through March 31, 2026, Huizenga has raised $2,997,558 and has $1,897,505 in cash on hand. The incumbent has spent $1,209,092 on his campaign to date.

The 4th District landscape

Michigan's 4th Congressional District includes the cities of Kalamazoo and Holland, along with surrounding areas in Allegan, Ottawa, and Kalamazoo counties. Huizenga was first elected to the House in 2011 and was re-elected with 55.1% of the vote in 2024.

The Republican primary is scheduled for August 4, 2026. The general election will be held on November 3, 2026.

Democratic field also takes shape

On the Democratic side, two candidates have declared for the 4th District:

  • Sean McCann, state senator from the 19th district, who has served since 2019
  • Diop Harris, former legislative correspondent for U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown

Jessica Swartz, the Democratic nominee in 2024 and an attorney, withdrew from the race. She is reportedly running for the Michigan House of Representatives in District 41.

A district with history of primary challenges

Tanis brings local government experience to the race. He previously served as mayor of Holland, a city of roughly 34,000 residents on the shores of Lake Michigan. His entry adds a hometown voice to a district that has seen Huizenga navigate multiple election cycles as a member of the Republican caucus.

Huizenga has drawn endorsements from national figures, including former President Donald Trump and the lobbying organization AIPAC, according to campaign filings and public reports.

The race will be one of 13 congressional contests in Michigan this cycle and part of a larger midterm election that includes a governor's race and a U.S. Senate seat.