Former Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R-Mich.) is months from deciding whether to challenge Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), his former campaign aide told Roll Call on Monday.

“I think we could at least be a couple months off. He still has family conversations to go through. He has not decided to jump in,” John Truscott said.

Republicans continue to seek a candidate to challenge Stabenow next year after some of the more prominent Republicans in the state have taken a pass. Hoekstra initially ruled out a run earlier this year, but he has since reconsidered his decision. 

“He had pretty much closed the door on running, but there have been many high-placed officials, party officials and finance-types who have had conversations with him recently,” Truscott said. “The conversations are at least taking place, which is a step forward from where it’s been.”