GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Steve Pestka was endorsed today by the United Auto Workers, Michigan’s largest labor union, in his bid to win the Democratic primary and unseat freshman Rep. Justin Amash.

Pestka, a former Kent County judge, state lawmaker and businessman, said in a news release he was looking forward to helping create jobs and preserve American manufacturing.

“Through collective bargaining and political action the UAW helped create the American middle class,” Pestka said. “I am honored to receive their support.”

Gerald Kariem, the director of the UAW’s Western Region, expressed confidence that Pestka was the best candidate for the 3rd Congressional District, which includes Kent, Barry, Ionia and Calhoun counties.

“Steve Pestka has spent a lifetime fighting for social and economic fairness for all people, therefore making him a positive choice for the endorsement of the UAW West Michigan CAP Council,” Kariem said.

The UAW represents 390,000 active employees and 600,000 retirees across the United States.

Owen Bieber, the longtime union president and Allegan County resident, attended Pestka's campaign announcement rally, and his son, Ron Bieber, is the director of the union's political action program.

Pestka and Trevor Thomas, whose parents met at a UAW-represented General Motors plant in Wyoming, are each trying to position themselves as the candidate to displace Amash, R-Cascade Township.

Thomas' campaign manager Clint Wallace said that Thomas' values were shaped by his parents, who were hard-working UAW members for more than 30 years.

"Trevor will work hard to win this nomination with the support of union members, and to defeat Representative Amash so that West Michigan is represented by someone who truly understands union families and will fight for them in Congress," Wallace said.

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