Republican Senate candidate and former U.S. Representative Mike Rogers said on May 2 that Michigan voters are seeking change in the upcoming 2026 race for the state’s open Senate seat, citing economic concerns and dissatisfaction with Democratic leadership.
Rogers described the election as a “change election in Michigan,” referencing issues such as declining education rankings, manufacturing job losses, and high auto insurance and electric rates. He made these comments during an appearance on Newsmax’s “America Right Now.” Rogers previously lost the 2024 Senate race to Senator Elissa Slotkin by about 18,700 votes out of more than 5.5 million cast.
The campaign for the open seat comes as the Senate Leadership Fund announced a $45 million advertising reservation to support Rogers, which is set to begin after Michigan’s August primary. This investment is reported to be the largest single-state offensive spending in its portfolio for this cycle.
Rogers criticized his potential Democratic opponents, including state Senator Mallory McMorrow and Abdul El-Sayed, for aligning with progressive figures or policies. He also referenced Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner’s past controversies. “The Democrat Party in America has shifted left,” Rogers said. “We’re common sense. We’re working-class people. We care about building things in this state.” He emphasized that jobs and economic issues are central to his campaign platform.
The Rogers for Senate campaign aims to promote economic growth, job creation, cost reductions, and protection of benefits for seniors in Michigan according to the official website. The campaign engages in U.S. Senate electoral activities according to its official website, with correspondence listed at P.O. Box 132 in St. Joseph, Michigan according to its official website. Rogers leads the campaign according to its official website.
Looking ahead, Rogers said he wants to reintroduce apprenticeships and vocational training into high schools while bringing advanced manufacturing jobs back to Michigan. He also called attention to his proposal on housing affordability and criticized Democrats for opposing a federal no-tax-on-overtime provision he believes would benefit millions of families: “They don’t care about working people and what it means to struggle at the end of the month,” he said.
