Who Is Pete Hoekstra? Former Michigan Congressman Named US Ambassador To Netherlands

President Donald Trump nominated former Congressman Pete Hoekstra as the ambassador to the Netherlands, the White House confirmed Monday. Hoekstra, a Republican, represented Michigan's second congressional district between 1993 and 2011.

While announcing Hoekstra's nomination — that will be sent to Senate for approval — the White House praised him as "a prominent politician," and stated he "continues to be active on public policy issues and in business affairs as a consultant, researcher, and writer," according to the local news network, Detroit Free Press. The 63-year-old leader also co-chaired Trump’s campaign in Michigan during the presidential election.

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His colleagues and fellow representatives praised Trump’s decision and congratulated Hoekstra. In a statement released Monday, Rep. Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) said: "He is exceptionally qualified and will make a tremendous ambassador. Pete's always had a passion for public service and a way of connecting with people that will continue the fruitful relationship we've long-enjoyed with the Netherlands."

Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Zeeland) also issued a statement Monday night. "Pete's heritage, deep-rooted ties to the Dutch community in West Michigan, and combination of public service and private sector experience make him uniquely qualified to serve as ambassador to the Netherlands," read the statement.

Born in Groningen, Netherlands, in 1953, Hoekstra chaired the House Intelligence Committee between 2004 and 2007. He founded the Congressional Caucus on the Netherlands that works to preserve and enhance the existing relationships between the United States and the Netherlands.

Hoekstra came to the U.S. at the age of three with his parents. The family settled in Holland, Michigan. He became a citizen of the country at the age of nine years.

He attended Holland Christian High School and completed his graduation in 1975 from Hope College. He then completed his master’s degree in business administration from the University of Michigan.

Hoekstra ran for the 2010 gubernatorial election in Michigan, however, he lost to Rick Snyder in the Republican primary. In 2012, he also ran for the Senate from the state.

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After leaving the Congress in 2011, he lobbied for the firms Dickstein Shapiro and Greenberg Traurig. Later he started his own firm, "Hoekstra Global Strategies."

His clients included the Michigan-based oil production company Core Energy and Columbia Helicopters. He also had some foreign clients including the Kurdish regional government. He also worked for furniture manufacturer Herman Miller in Zeeland and served as their vice president of marketing, according to the Detroit News. In October 2015, Hoekstra published his first book, "Architects of Disaster: The Destruction of Libya."

"We look forward to seeing him at our annual Tulip Time Festival in Holland, Michigan — a community where he is deeply loved and respected. I look forward to working with Pete in his new capacity and urge the U.S. Senate to confirm him as soon as they are able," the statement by Rep. Upton said. Republican Representatives Upton and Huizenga urged the Trump transition team for Hoekstra's nomination in 2016.