Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R) announced Monday that he is running for governor in 2010.

Hoekstra announced his candidacy at Inland Pipe Rehabilitation company in Detroit, according to a press release.

“We need to begin the process of rebuilding a strong Michigan: creating good jobs, promoting strong businesses and driving meaningful and measurable results,— Hoekstra said.

The nine-term Republican announced in December that he would be retiring in 2010, leaving his GOP-leaning western Michigan seat open. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) won the 2nd district with 51 percent of the vote in 2008.