Michigan Republican Party Chairman Pete Hoekstra said this week that if the Senate race between former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.) and Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) becomes “close, “The Democratic Party in Michigan will take away some votes,” he said. ” according to a copy of the recording obtained by The Hill.
Hoekstra, who was confirmed as Michigan Republican Party chairman earlier this year, made the comments while speaking at a fundraiser Monday in Farmington Hills, Michigan. He repeatedly praised Rogers and vowed the state party would do everything in his power to help him win.
“We haven't elected a Republican senator since 1994. OK, think about 30 years,” Hoekstra said at the event, according to a recording. “And the good thing is, when the race is close, this guy knows how to win a close race. The first race he won as a U.S. House member was the closest race in the nation that year. I think so,” he said. he said, referring to Mr. Rogers' 2000 House election, which he narrowly won.
“We don't recommend this cycle because we're worried that when the race gets that close, they're going to steal votes to make sure he doesn't win,” Hoekstra said. “But congratulations and thank you for all the work you're putting in. It's amazing.”
Hoekstra, himself a former congressman, attended the fundraiser along with Rodgers and state House Minority Leader Matt Hall. The reception cost up to $1,000, according to an invitation seen by The Hill.
The recording was first reported by the Detroit News.
Former President Trump claimed without evidence that the 2020 Michigan election was “rigged.” He reportedly urged Michigan election workers over the phone not to certify the 2020 election results. President Biden won the state in 2020 by less than 160,000 votes.
The Michigan Democratic Party criticized Hoekstra's comments as undermining American democracy.
“Pete Hoekstra and Michigan Republicans continue to spread dangerous election conspiracy theories and undermine our democracy. Republican leaders want Mike Rogers to win this election on his own. It is clear that he does not believe that this is possible and would instead push his lies forward at the expense of Michigan and our democracy,” said LaVora Burns, chair of the Michigan Democratic Party.statement.
Slotkin, who is currently running in one of the most competitive races, called Hoekstra's comments “dangerous” and said he should be condemned from all sides.
“Absentee voting only became available this week, but the MIGOP chairman is already spreading conspiracy theories about election integrity,” Slotkin said in Thursday's newspaper.post“This kind of language is exactly what led to the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6th. It is dishonest, dangerous, and should be condemned by *all*, regardless of party.”
in late AugustinvestigationSlotkin had a six-point advantage over Rodgers, 47 percent to 41 percent. Both candidates are vying to replace retiring Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.).
The Hill has reached out to the Michigan Republican Party and Rogers' campaign for comment.
