Michigan Rep. Justin Amash quitting Republican Party
Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan, the only Republican in Congress to support the impeachment of President Trump, said Thursday he is leaving the GOP because he has become disenchanted with partisan politics and “frightened by what I see from it.”
In an opinion article published in the Washington Post on July 4, Amash said partisan politics is damaging the U.S. democracy.
“I am declaring my independence and leaving the Republican Party,” Amash said. “I’m asking you to join me in rejecting the partisan loyalties and rhetoric that divide and dehumanize us.”
Amash was the only Republican in Congress to call for impeachment proceedings against Trump, drawing the ire of many fellow Republicans and Trump.
Trump responded immediately to Amash’s announcement, tweeting Thursday: “Great news for the Republican Party as one of the dumbest & most disloyal men in Congress is ‘quitting’ the Party.” Trump added that Amash was a “total loser.”
Amash, who was considered a libertarian-leaning Republican in Congress, has represented Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District in the western part of the state since 2011.
Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter
Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond. In your inbox three times per week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
