Heacock joins GOP race for Ehlers' seat

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Steve Heacock, a longtime participant in GOP politics in the Grand Rapids area, announced he's running for the US Congressional seat that will be vacated by Vern Ehlers in November.

Heacock made his announcement Wednesday morning across the street from the Van Andel Institute, following remarks by former congressman Paul Henry's widow, Karen Henry Stokes.

In prepared remarks, he said, "I am a real conservative in the tradition of Ford, Henry and Ehlers. I believe in free markets, limited government, and West Michigan social and moral values combined with full and successful world engagement."

Heacock currently chairs the Convention and Arena Authority, which owns and operates the Van Andel Arena and the DeVos Place convention and entertainment center.

He joins Justin Amash and Bill Hardiman as the officially announced Republican candidates to replace Ehlers. On the Democratic side, Paul Mayhue is running, and others are expected to announce soon.