Rep. Justin Amash (I-Mich.) is making waves after he said he is “looking closely” at a run for president this year.
Amash, who is one of the most consistent critics of President Donald Trump, left the Republican party last year. After the president claimed his authority was “total” during a coronavirus briefing on Monday evening, Amash tweeted that “Americans who believe in limited government deserve another option.”
“Please be you,” a supporter tweeted in response.
“Thanks,” Amash said. “I’m looking at it closely this week.”
The Libertarian Party is planning to announce a candidate for president on May 25th at its convention in Austin, Texas, The Washington Post reported. Amash would be a high-profile option of anyone with an interest and alignment in limited government politics. Amash is currently campaigning for reelection to his House seat in the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area.
Last summer, when pressed by reporters about running for president, Amash repeatedly declined to rule it out. Both former Mass. Gov. Bill Weld (R) and former Rep. Joe Walsh (R-Ill.) launched bids to challenge President Trump, and each have already ended their campaigns. In the fall, Amash was the only Republican in the House to vote for Trump’s impeachment.
While Amash would be a longshot to win the race, he could have a significant impact on the race if he were to enter. Third-party candidates have run strong enough campaigns to pull votes from other presidential candidates, and Amash would likely find favor amongst so-called “never-Trump” Republicans being courted by Democrats. He could also be an option for disaffected Trump voters who do not want to vote for Joe Biden.