Pete Hoekstra

Cornelis Pieter "Pete" Hoekstra (/ˈhʊkstrə/; born October 30, 1953) is an American politician of Dutch descent. He has been the United States Ambassador to Canada since 2025. He was the United States Ambassador to the Netherlands from November 2017 to January 2021. He is a former member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Michigan's 2nd congressional district from 1993 to 2011. Hoekstra is a member of the Republican Party.

Pete Hoekstra
Official portrait, 2025
United States Ambassador to Canada
Incumbent
Assumed office April 29, 2025
President	Donald Trump
Preceded by	David L. Cohen
Chair of the Michigan Republican Party
In office January 20, 2024 – February 22, 2025
Preceded by	Kristina Karamo
Succeeded by	Jim Runestad
United States Ambassador to the Netherlands
In office January 10, 2018 – January 17, 2021
President	Donald Trump
Preceded by	Shawn Crowley (Acting)
Succeeded by	Marja Verloop (Chargé d’Affaires)
Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee
In office January 3, 2007 – January 3, 2011
Preceded by	Jane Harman
Succeeded by	Dutch Ruppersberger
Chair of the House Intelligence Committee
In office September 23, 2004 – January 3, 2007
Preceded by	Porter Goss
Succeeded by	Silver Reyes
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Michigan's 2nd district
In office January 3, 1993 – January 3, 2011
Preceded by	Guy Vander Jagt (redistricting)
Succeeded by	Bill Huizenga
Personal details
Born	Cornelis Pieter Hoekstra (1953-10-30) October 30, 1953 (age 71) Groningen, Netherlands
Political party	Republican
Spouse(s)	Diane Johnson
Children	3
Education	Hope College (BA) University of Michigan (MBA)

In July 2017, Hoekstra was nominated to be the next United States Ambassador to the Netherlands by President Donald Trump.^[1] This nomination was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on November 9, 2017.^[2]

He moved to the United States at the age of three, studied political science at Hope College and obtained an MBA at the University of Michigan.

Before entering into politics he was working as a marketing employee in a furniture business.

Hoekstra is a member of the Reformed Church in America. In January 2024, he became Chair of the Michigan Republican Party.

In November 2024, Hoekstra was nominated by President-elect Trump to be the U.S. Ambassador to Canada.^[3] On April 9, 2025, Hoekstra was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Ambassador to Canada.^[4]