Peter Meijer

Peter Meijer is an American politician and businessman who served as the U.S. Representative for Michigan's 3rd congressional district from 2021 to 2023. A member of the Republican Party during his tenure, he gained national attention for his vote to impeach President Donald Trump following the January 6 Capitol attack. Prior to his political career, he served as an intelligence analyst in the United States Army Reserve and worked in international development and disaster relief.

Early life and education

Peter Meijer was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, into the prominent family that founded the Meijer supermarket chain. He is a grandson of company co-founder Frederik Meijer. He attended Forest Hills Public Schools in the Grand Rapids metropolitan area before enrolling at Columbia University. At Columbia, he studied political science and was involved with the Columbia University College Republicans. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2010.

Business career

Following his military service, Meijer worked in conflict zones and post-disaster environments. He was a research associate with the Council on Foreign Relations, focusing on stabilization efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. He later worked for a non-governmental organization in Kabul, assisting with governance projects. In the private sector, he was a vice president at Loki Films, a documentary production company. He also served on the board of the Dwight D. Opperman Foundation and was involved with several philanthropic initiatives in West Michigan.

Political career

Meijer entered politics in the 2020 election cycle, seeking the open seat in Michigan's 3rd congressional district following the retirement of Libertarian-leaning Justin Amash. He won a competitive Republican primary against several candidates, including State Senator Tom Barrett. In the general election, he defeated Democratic nominee Hillary Scholten. Upon taking office in the 117th United States Congress, he was assigned to the House Committee on Homeland Security and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

2021 impeachment vote and aftermath

On January 13, 2021, Meijer was one of ten Republican representatives who voted to impeach President Donald Trump for incitement of insurrection following the January 6 United States Capitol attack. This vote drew immediate and significant backlash from within his party. The Kent County Republican Party in Michigan censured him, and he faced a well-funded primary challenge in 2022. Despite raising substantial funds, he was defeated in the Republican primary by John Gibbs, a former official in the Trump administration who was endorsed by the former president. Gibbs subsequently lost the general election to Democrat Hillary Scholten.

Electoral history

In the 2020 Republican primary for Michigan's 3rd congressional district, Meijer defeated Tom Barrett and Lynn Afendoulis. He then won the general election against Hillary Scholten and Justin Amash, who ran as a write-in candidate. In the 2022 Republican primary, he was defeated by Donald Trump-endorsed candidate John Gibbs. Following his primary loss, Meijer left the Republican Party and registered as an independent.

Personal life

Meijer is a resident of Grand Rapids, Michigan. His military service included a deployment to Iraq as an intelligence analyst with the United States Army Reserve. He is a recipient of the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. He is married to Gabriella Grey. In August 2023, he announced a candidacy for the United States Senate seat being vacated by retiring Senator Debbie Stabenow, but he suspended his campaign in January 2024 after failing to gain sufficient traction in the Republican primary field. Category:1988 births Category:Living people Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives from Michigan Category:American army personnel of the Iraq War Category:Columbia University alumni Category:People from Grand Rapids, Michigan Category:American businesspeople in retailing Category:Republican Party members of the United States House of Representatives