The HD-46 nominee withdrew his candidacy on Oct. 5 in the form of a letter on Facebook after allegations from several women that he had pressured them to share nude photos. He also threatened to shoot up a middle school while still a juvenile.
After the allegations were made public, the now 20-year-old withdrew his candidacy following a rescind of Michigan House Democratic Campaign support.
But Imhoff's withdrawal wasn't made official because it came after the 4 p.m. April 22 withdrawal deadline.
Now, Imhoff said support from residents who said they could relate to dealing with past transgressions and would rather talk about the future has led him to reconsider his withdrawal.
“I made a commitment and want to finish what I started,” Imhoff said. “I dropped the campaign because that’s what I thought voters would want. I now believe that our community is less focused on the past and more concerned about the future.”
He added that voters will decide the outcome of the election, and he believes he has the ideas and passion to reach the important demographic that is Michigan youth.
“I would say to voters that I’m a lot like them. I’ve dealt with challenges and made mistakes that I wish I hadn’t,” Imhoff said. “I’ve learned a great deal in my youth that gives me a unique perspective. I’m willing to listen to the constituents, go to Lansing and come up with solutions to their issues. I know I can make a difference. I’m asking the community to vote for me to represent them.”
He said key issues he wants to focus on moving forward includes inflation, healthcare, reproductive rights and safe neighborhoods.
His opponent, Republican Kathy Schmaltz, did not respond to a request for comment.
Imhoff won the Democratic primary with 5,973 votes and will face Schmaltz, who earned 4,222 votes, in the Nov. general election.
Up to now, Democratic interests have invested $78,116 into Imhoff through ad buys, compared to the $20,300 the Republicans and Schmaltz who have put $20,300 into ad buys.
