Rogers Aims for Michigan Senate Seat With Trump’s Backing
Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers, a former lawmaker, believes that President Trump’s endorsement has given him a strong chance to reclaim Democrat-held seats in Michigan during the upcoming midterm elections. This renewed optimism comes after GOP Rep. Bill Huizenga announced he wouldn’t run for the Senate in 2026 following discussions with Trump, effectively clearing the way for Rogers.
“It’s huge,” Rogers commented on Trump’s support, noting it illustrates a unification within Michigan’s Republican Party. He emphasized that this endorsement helps build momentum. “By resolving potential primary rivals, we can continue to grow,” he shared during a digital interview. Since last week’s announcement, he noted, “people want to join us.” With the backing of Trump, he expressed optimism about defeating Democrats in the November 2026 election, specifically targeting the seat held by retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters.
Rogers, a former FBI agent and ex-chair of the House Intelligence Committee, has previously sought the Senate seat. He was the Republican nominee in 2024 but narrowly lost to Democratic representative Elissa Slotkin.
Slotkin had edged out Rogers by around 19,000 votes, or just a third of a percentage point. Reflecting on his fundraising since gaining Trump’s support, Rogers mentioned, “We’ve seen an uptick, and I think it will help us raise more funds, which leads to more support.”
In the meantime, while Rogers appears to have a clear path within the GOP, the Democrats face a competitive primary with candidates like Sen. Mallory McMorrow and former state legislator Joe Tate. “The Democrats are really in a tough spot. They’re just not aligned,” Rogers argued.
Despite Trump winning Michigan in the 2024 presidential election, it has been over three decades since a Republican has won a Senate seat in the state, dating back to former Senator Spencer Abraham’s 1994 victory.
Rogers is optimistic that starting his campaign early this cycle, along with Trump’s support, will yield different results in 2026 compared to his last run. “Getting Trump’s endorsement this early demonstrates our seriousness about winning,” he stated. “We’re going full steam ahead.”
