LANSING, Mich. (AP) – Former U.S. Representative Mike Rogers has announced another Republican candidacy for the U.S. Senate in Michigan, following a narrow defeat to Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin in the highly competitive 2024 open race. Rogers is now pursuing the seat that will be vacated by Democratic Senator Gary Peters, who revealed earlier this year that he will not seek reelection in 2026.
This campaign marks a significant opportunity for Rogers, as he aims to become the first Republican to secure a Senate seat in Michigan in over 30 years. During the 2024 election, he fell short by just 19,000 votes in his bid against Slotkin, making this upcoming race even more critical.
In a video released on Monday, Rogers emphasized his alignment with former President Donald Trump, stating he would "stand with" Trump throughout his campaign. Notably, Trump had previously endorsed Rogers during the 2024 race, contributing to his established presence in the battleground state of Michigan.
In his campaign launch video, Rogers declared, "Alongside President Trump, I’ll fight to bring good, high-paying manufacturing jobs back to Michigan." His commitment to job creation resonates with many voters in the state, especially as Michigan's economy continues to evolve in the post-pandemic landscape.
The U.S. Senate race in Michigan is anticipated to be one of the most fiercely contested elections in the nation. Democrats are working to maintain their position without the benefit of an incumbent and are also striving to regain control of the Senate. As a result, this race is expected to garner significant national attention and resources from both parties.
Despite various individuals expressing interest in running for the open seat, the field remains relatively sparse following Senator Peters' surprising announcement in January. Recently, State Senator Mallory McMorrow declared her Democratic candidacy, while U.S. Representative Haley Stevens is also considering a run, adding to the dynamic nature of the race.
On the Republican side, Mike Rogers is currently the first high-profile candidate to announce his intention to run, marking a pivotal moment for the party as they look to reclaim a Senate seat in Michigan. His background as an Army veteran and former FBI agent significantly contributes to his appeal as a candidate. Rogers was elected to Congress in 2000 and served for seven terms in the House, two of which he spent as chair of the committee overseeing U.S. intelligence agencies. After leaving office in 2015, he served briefly on Donald Trump’s transition team as a national security advisor.
Entering the race earlier this time, Rogers is in a more advantageous position than he was in the previous election cycle. With greater name recognition and several additional months to campaign, he is poised to connect with voters more effectively. In contrast to the last cycle, when he announced nearly six months after Slotkin, this early start could play a crucial role in his campaign's success.
As the Michigan Senate race continues to unfold, the competition is expected to intensify, with both Democratic and Republican candidates working diligently to secure their constituencies. Given Rogers' strong campaign launch and the evolving political landscape in Michigan, the upcoming election will undoubtedly be one to watch closely.
