Supporters gather at a rally to show their support for Mike Rogers's Senate campaign in Michigan.
President Donald Trump has endorsed former U.S. Representative Mike Rogers for the open U.S. Senate seat in Michigan. This endorsement solidifies Rogers as a leading Republican candidate after Bill Huizenga announced he would not run. With Trump’s backing, Rogers seeks to leverage his experience as the chair of the House Intelligence Committee to regain political ground after his 2023 Senate loss. As both parties prepare for the upcoming election, the race for the seat left by retiring Senator Gary Peters is heating up, with several Democratic contenders likely to enter the fray.
Lansing, Michigan – President Donald Trump endorsed former U.S. Representative Mike Rogers for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat on Thursday, following U.S. Representative Bill Huizenga’s announcement that he will not pursue a Senate bid. This endorsement positions Rogers as a leading candidate in the upcoming race as he seeks to secure the nomination from the Republican Party.
Trump praised Rogers in his endorsement, stating that he has served the nation with distinction and expressed confidence in Rogers’ capabilities as a future senator. This support comes after Rogers faced a setback in a prior Senate run in 2023 when he lost to Democrat Elissa Slotkin by around 19,000 votes. His previous experience as a lawmaker and chair of the House Intelligence Committee before leaving Congress in 2015 bolsters his qualifications for the role.
Huizenga’s withdrawal from the race reportedly followed a meeting with Trump at the White House, where Trump advised against his candidacy. This decision aligns with the GOP’s current strategy of maintaining their slim majority in the House of Representatives, which has led party leadership to encourage lawmakers in competitive districts to remain focused on their current positions instead of seeking higher office.
Trump’s endorsement adds significant weight to Rogers’ campaign, helping him consolidate support among key Senate Republicans, including Majority Leader John Thune and Senator Tim Scott. The Senate Leadership Fund, a political action committee connected to Thune, further amplified support by sharing Trump’s endorsement on social media.
Rogers, aged 62 and a former FBI agent, stands at an advantage as he becomes the first major Republican candidate to enter the race for the Senate seat left open by the impending retirement of Democratic Senator Gary Peters in 2026. Currently, Rogers faces limited competition for the GOP nomination, with potential challengers including Tudor Dixon, the 2022 gubernatorial nominee, and Huizenga, whose decision has not yet been finalized.
On the Democratic side, several candidates are likely to enter the race, including State Senator Mallory McMorrow and U.S. Representative Haley Stevens, setting the stage for a competitive electoral environment. The Democratic Party is preparing for a vigorous campaign, recognizing the importance of the seat in maintaining a majority in the Senate.
Rogers has emphasized in his campaign announcement video his dedication to advocating for the interests of Michigan residents and aligning his policies with Trump’s platform, signaling a commitment to the party’s core values as he embarks on this campaign.
Despite his previous defeat in a closely contested Senate election, Rogers is seen as a formidable contender, especially amid a shifting political landscape in Michigan, where Republicans have not secured a Senate victory since 1994. The upcoming election will be crucial for both parties as they strive to gain an advantage ahead of the 2026 Senate elections.
Trump has also expressed his support for Huizenga, highlighting his current work in Congress and encouraging him to consider a reelection bid. Huizenga has yet to confirm his decision regarding reelection and mentioned ongoing discussions with his family.
The political situation in Michigan remains fluid, with both parties gearing up for a hard-fought campaign for the Senate seat, making it a significant focus for national political dynamics in the coming years.
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