A Democratic candidate in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District is drawing criticism over a gap between his campaign message and his business record.
Matt Maasdam, a former Navy SEAL turned entrepreneur, has made “Made in America” a central theme of his campaign. On his website, he emphasizes the need to bring manufacturing back to the United States, strengthen supply chains, and reduce reliance on countries like China. But his past work in the private sector tells a more complicated story.
Maasdam previously worked at Under Armour and later co-founded Revtown, a clothing company known for its jeans—at one point promoted as a favorite of podcast host Joe Rogan. Like much of the apparel industry, both companies relied on overseas production. Under Armour has long manufactured a significant portion of its products abroad, while Revtown sourced denim from Italy and had garments assembled in Guatemala.
More recently, Maasdam became CEO of PECOS Outdoor, a company that markets portable work tables and highlights its commitment to American-made products. Still, a 2022 shipping record shows PECOS received a container of samples from a Chinese import-export company. His campaign has downplayed that detail, describing it as a one-time event that doesn’t reflect the company’s broader direction.
His campaign manager, Emma Grundhauser, said Maasdam has consistently pushed to build products in the U.S., even when it’s more difficult or costly. She argued that his candidacy reflects a broader commitment to supporting domestic manufacturing and American workers.
The issue came up during a recent candidate forum, where Maasdam acknowledged the realities of global supply chains. He pointed out that certain materials, like high-quality denim, are not widely produced in the United States. According to him, that limits what companies can realistically manufacture completely domestically. He described his experience as a mix of aspiration and constraint—wanting to produce goods in the U.S., but operating within an industry that often depends on international sourcing.
After leaving Revtown, Maasdam said he helped launch a company focused on making and assembling products in America, describing that effort as more aligned with his personal values.
The race itself is expected to be competitive. The seat flipped to Republican Rep. Tom Barrett in 2024 after Democrat Elissa Slotkin ran for Senate, and both parties see the district as winnable. Republicans have already seized on Maasdam’s business history, arguing it undercuts his campaign message. A spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee accused him of benefiting from outsourcing while now campaigning against it.
At the same time, Maasdam has secured support from some labor unions, which his campaign points to as evidence that workers trust his intentions.
The debate around his record reflects a broader tension that many candidates face: balancing economic ideals with the realities of how modern supply chains operate.
