Mike Rogers, a former FBI special agent and House Intelligence Committee chair, is running for the Republican Senate nomination in Michigan. Rogers emphasizes that crime, border security, and the economy are the top issues in his campaign, with a focus on addressing the “weak and porous southern border.” He is the clear front-runner in the August GOP Senate primary and will likely face Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin in the general election to succeed longtime Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who is not seeking reelection this year. Republicans are aiming to flip several blue seats to red in November to regain the Senate majority they lost in 2020.
Rogers recently joined former President Donald Trump at a roundtable discussion in Michigan, where he criticized President Biden over crime and the crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. Rogers highlighted instances of crime in Michigan that he attributes to the weak southern border, including the murder of Ruby Garcia by an illegal immigrant and the presence of criminal cartel gangs in the state. Law enforcement leaders who endorsed Trump expressed frustration with the Biden administration’s handling of border security and crime, emphasizing the need for policy changes to protect Michigan communities.
Despite flirting with a Republican presidential nomination run, Rogers ultimately decided to run for the Senate after encouragement from the National Republican Senatorial Committee. While Rogers previously criticized Trump, he now emphasizes Trump’s ability to address the country’s challenges. Rogers rejects Trump’s claims of election fraud in the 2020 election and stresses the importance of unity within the party to win in November. With Trump’s endorsement and the backing of former Detroit Police Chief James Craig, Rogers’ odds of winning the GOP nomination have improved, although the Republican Senate field remains crowded.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee spokesperson raised concerns about Rogers, accusing him of supporting a national abortion ban, having ties to Chinese businesses, and living in a million-dollar Florida mansion. Rogers, who supports life and previously voted for federal abortion restrictions, now opposes such measures, citing Michigan’s vote to codify reproductive rights, including access to abortion, in the state constitution. Rogers affirms his commitment to upholding Michigan’s laws related to abortion and protecting reproductive rights at the state level.
Rogers’ campaign is focused on addressing key issues such as crime, border security, and the economy while emphasizing the need for policy changes to protect Michigan communities. His alignment with former President Trump and support from law enforcement leaders and fellow Republicans have boosted his chances in the GOP Senate primary. Despite facing criticism from the Democratic side, Rogers remains committed to his platform and emphasizes the importance of uniting the party to defeat Democrats in the November election. With the support of Trump and local leaders, Rogers aims to address the challenges facing Michigan and secure the Republican nomination for the Senate seat.
