- Rep.
Justin Amash , an Independent from Michigan, has launched an exploratory committee to seek the Libertarian Party's 2020 presidential nomination. - "Let's do this," Amash tweeted on Tuesday, along with a link to a website asking for donations.
- A former Republican and member of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus, Amash made headlines over the last year for his sharp and frequent criticisms of President
Donald Trump . - The Republican Party disowned Amash after he called for Trump's impeachment. The congressman was the only non-Democratic lawmaker in the House of Representatives to vote in favor of impeaching Trump.
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Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan officially launched a presidential exploratory committee on Tuesday.
Amash, a former Republican and fervent critic of President Donald Trump, announced his decision on Twitter, writing that he will seek the Libertarian Party's presidential nomination.
"Americans are ready for practical approaches based in humility and trust of the people," Amash tweeted.
"Let's do this," he wrote, along with a link to his website. "We're ready for a presidency that will restore respect for our Constitution and bring people together. I'm excited and honored to be taking these first steps toward serving Americans of every background as president."
A message on the homepage of Amash's website struck a similar tone, saying Americans are ready "for something new."
It continued: "For a government that secures our rights. For equality before the law. For an end to cronyism. For a government that fulfills its purpose and recognizes its limits. For practical approaches based in humility and trust of the people. For an honest, principled president who will defend the Constitution and put individuals first."
Amash made headlines over the last several years for his frequent clashes with the Trump White House, beginning as early as April 2017. Last May, Amash became the first Republican lawmaker to call for Trump's impeachment based on the former special counsel Robert Mueller's findings in the Russia investigation.
The congressman said Trump's actions "meet the threshold for impeachment" and he likely would have been indicted on obstruction of justice charges, had he not been president.
The Republican party apparatus disowned Amash after he called for Trump's impeachment, and he also stepped down from the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus.
"I have the highest regard for them, and they're my close friends," Amash said at the time. "I didn't want to be a further distraction for the group."
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