Robert Regan, who is running for the state legislature as a Republican, said he was hurt after his daughter Stephanie posted telling people not to support him, but also pleased she was confident enough to voice her views against him publicly.

Stephanie, in a tweet which has been liked more than 180,000 times at time of writing, wrote on June 23: “if you’re in michigan and 18+ pls for the love of god do not vote for my dad for state rep. tell everyone.”

Speaking to Wood TV, he said: “Did it hurt me seeing that tweet? Of course it did. I’m the father, I’m human, you feel things like that. But one of the things I did with my children, all four of them, I said always focus on the truth.”

He said his other daughter Natalie had posted a similar tweet, adding: “I’m really excited that they thought they had a solid enough relationship with me where they could basically dis me on social media and know that I’m not going to disown them.”

Commenting on where they got their views which were opposed to his, he said: “When they’re in college quite frankly they get involved with these Marxist, socialist universities, and they start getting indoctrinated with things that are completely polar opposite from where you raised them.”

In an official statement shared through his Facebook page, Regan reiterated that he was pleased she could outline opposing views to him.

“The 1st Amendment is foundational to our republic, which not only requires, but should encourage, all perspectives to be expressed without using guilt, obligation or shame to manipulate people,” he said. “Every human being has a divine spirit within them that entitles them to be respected and listened to. Our Constitution secures that right. I have always encouraged and taught my four children to seek truth, no matter the cost; seek truth.”

The statement further described Regan as being “considered the most conservative option in a three-way Republican primary.”

His Twitter describes him as: “Father of 4, Entrepreneur, Constitutional Conservative, Pro-Life, Liberty and Freedom Minded Candidate for Michigan State House in the 73rd District.”

He previously shared a new story on his website which said: “Robert “RJ” Regan describes himself as so conservative that he makes Rush Limbaugh look like a liberal.”

Newsweek has contacted both Regan and his daughter Stephanie for comment.