Hoekstra, Pete, 1953-

Cornelis Piet "Pete" Hoekstra (born October 30, 1953) is a Dutch-American business executive and politician. A member of the Republican Party, he served as the U.S. Representative for Michigan's 2nd congressional district from 1993 to 2011 and as the U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands from 2018 to 2021.

Born in Groningen, Netherlands, Hoekstra immigrated to the United States as a child, growing up in Holland, Michigan. He graduated from Holland Christian High School before earning a B.A. from Hope College and an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan. After graduating with his M.B.A., Hoekstra joined office furniture maker Herman Miller and remained there for 15 years, eventually becoming vice president of marketing. In 1992, Hoekstra ran for the U.S. House, defeating thirteen-term incumbent Guy Vander Jagt in the Republican primary for Michigan's 2nd congressional district seat and Democratic opponent John H. Miltner in the general election. Hoekstra went on to be re-elected eight times. In Congress, Hoekstra had a conservative voting record, consistent with the conservative nature of the 2nd congressional district. He opposed abortion rights, opposed expanding health care benefits for children, opposed gay adoption rights and gay marriage, and voted against paid parental leave for federal employees. However, he also opposed amending the Constitution to prohibit flag desecration. Hoekstra was the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee from 2004 to 2007.

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