The GOP Senate primary in Michigan is heating up as wealthy investor Sandy Pensler launches a major ad blitz against front-runner Mike Rogers, who is backed by former President Trump. Pensler’s campaign is self-funded and has launched a seven-figure ad buy on broadcast, cable TV, and digital platforms. Rogers, a former FBI special agent, has the support of the National Republican Senatorial Committee and received an endorsement from Trump in March. The eventual Republican nominee will likely face off against Democrat Rep. Elissa Slotkin in the race to succeed Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who is not seeking re-election.
Pensler’s latest campaign ad targets Rogers for his role in the Benghazi attack, accusing him of helping Hillary Clinton cover up key facts. The ad includes a video clip of Kris Paronto, a former Army Ranger who was at the consulate during the attack, accusing Rogers of calling soldiers liars. The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence investigation into Benghazi highlighted bureaucratic blunders but did not specifically blame Clinton or other officials. Rogers defended the Obama administration’s actions following the attack, calling them incompetent and politically manipulated.
Pensler’s ad campaign is his second in a week, following an earlier ad that targeted Slotkin for failing to condemn controversial comments by Rep. Rashida Tlaib. Republicans are hoping to win a Senate election in Michigan for the first time in three decades, but the crowded primary field poses a challenge. Former Rep. Peter Meijer and former Detroit Police Chief James Craig have dropped out of the race, leaving Rogers, Pensler, and former Rep. Justin Amash as the main contenders. The NRSC is supporting Rogers in the primary, with Sen. Steve Daines stating that Trump’s endorsement of Rogers seals the deal.
Pensler’s team has pledged to continue running ads through the primary, with a focus on reaching Michigan voters. The NRSC is committed to supporting Rogers as the party’s nominee, but Sandler, Pensler’s senior adviser, believes the ultimate decision lies with the voters. The NRSC has taken a more hands-on approach in this election cycle compared to the past, aiming to avoid divisive primaries that could impact the party’s chances of winning back the Senate majority. Pensler has voiced his support for Trump, despite facing criticism in his 2018 Senate bid for comments made about the former president.
The battle for the Michigan Senate seat is crucial for Republicans as they aim to flip blue seats to red in November. Pensler’s aggressive ad campaign targeting Rogers and Slotkin reflects the high stakes in this battleground state. The outcome of the primary will shape the race against Slotkin, who faces little competition for the Democratic nomination. With the NRSC backing Rogers and Pensler pouring money into ads, the primary is becoming increasingly competitive. Voters will have the final say in August, determining which candidate will represent the GOP in the battle for the Michigan Senate seat.
