The Detroit News has thrown its support behind Bill Huizenga for re-election in Michigan's 4th Congressional District, pointing to his work on environmental issues and his record in Congress.
Bill Huizenga has picked up the endorsement of The Detroit News as he runs to keep his seat in Michigan's 4th Congressional District. The paper points to Huizenga's track record in Congress and his focus on environmental and economic issues that hit close to home for the district. This part of southwest Michigan covers all of Allegan and Van Buren Counties, plus parts of Ottawa, Kalamazoo, Calhoun, and Berrien Counties. Major cities in the district include Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Holland, and Portage, according to the State of Michigan.
The region relies on farming and manufacturing, so economic and environmental policy matter a lot to local voters. School districts like Kalamazoo Public Schools and Holland Public Schools also help set the agenda, with school board meetings and public comment sessions often focused on things like infrastructure and water quality.
Key issues in the race
Huizenga, a Republican who's been in Congress since 2011, is running for a ninth term. He's up against Democrat Sean McCann, a state senator and former Kalamazoo City Commissioner. McCann's campaign is centered on expanding health care access, keeping Affordable Care Act tax credits, and lowering prescription drug costs. He also wants to build green energy infrastructure and protect the Great Lakes, which border the district, as reported by Reuters. On August 4, 2026, McCann locked up the Democratic nomination, setting up a head-to-head race with Huizenga in November, according to NBC News.
Huizenga's priorities in Congress have included protecting the environment and growing the economy. He co-chairs the House Great Lakes Task Force and helped start the PFAS task force, working on water quality and contamination-issues that matter to local governments and health departments. He played a key role in getting funding for the Soo Locks expansion, a major infrastructure project for Michigan. The Center for Effective Lawmaking named him the most effective lawmaker in Michigan's delegation for 2025. In the recent Republican primary, he won 85% of the vote, showing strong support from his party's base, as reported by NBC News.
Legislative effectiveness and local impact
Huizenga pushes for free-market policies, lower taxes, and less regulation. His supporters say his experience and influence in Congress help the district. The Detroit News pointed to these strengths in its endorsement, saying his background and focus on both the environment and economic growth make him the right choice for the area. Cities like Kalamazoo and other local governments often work with federal lawmakers on water infrastructure and PFAS cleanup, showing how important congressional support is for local needs.
McCann's record in the state legislature includes work on health care access. He's running as a champion for affordable health care and environmental protection, hoping to bring those issues to Washington. The race reflects the district's mix of farming, manufacturing, and environmental concerns, with both candidates talking about issues that matter to local people. Residents can keep up with public hearings and candidate events through the Kalamazoo city calendar and county election offices.
District context and broader trends
The 4th District's economic and environmental challenges are part of a bigger story in Michigan. Earlier reporting shows the state is under more pressure in manufacturing and infrastructure investment. In September 2026, Sabato's Crystal Ball changed its rating for the district from "leans Republican" to "toss-up," making the race more competitive and putting the spotlight on turnout, as reported by The Hill. In the 2024 presidential election, former President Trump won the district by 5.5 points, showing its swing status.
With this backdrop, The Detroit News endorsement of Huizenga signals a preference for experience and steady leadership in Congress. The paper's support is based on Huizenga's record of bringing in funding for big projects and his work on environmental issues that matter locally. For voters in southwest Michigan, the choice is between Huizenga's established record and McCann's push for health care and green energy. Election details and polling places are available from county clerks and the State of Michigan's official election portal.
