Rogers: ‘Michigan’s way of life is worth defending’

Former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers of Michigan, a Republican, announced his candidacy for the 2024 Senate election in Michigan on Sept. 6. Rogers aims to focus on reversing the Biden administration’s misdirection and leverage his extensive experience in Congress, the military and cybersecurity.

“America under Biden and his cronies is going in the wrong direction,” Rogers said in a statement on his website. “We can do better, and that’s why I’m running for the United States Senate. To get government out of the way, unleash American innovation and take common sense back to Washington.”

“That’s why I served in the Army. That’s why I served in the FBI, taking down organized crime. That’s why I led the House Intelligence Committee in the hard years after 9/11,” he said. “Michigan’s way of life is worth defending.”

“I thought I put politics behind but, like you, I know something’s broken,” Rogers said in a campaign video that attacks President Joe Biden, according to AP News.

The announcement, conveyed through the campaign video, has swiftly injected energy into what was previously a relatively low-key Senate race, largely dominated by Democratic contenders. It’s viewed as a significant coup for Michigan’s beleaguered Republican Party, which has grappled with statewide electoral challenges amid internal turmoil. A military veteran and former FBI agent, Rogers served seven terms in the House, culminating in his chairmanship of the committee overseeing U.S. intelligence agencies before leaving office in 2015 and briefly advising on national security issues during former President Donald Trump’s transition, AP News reported.

During his visit to the Family Tree Cafe, Rogers reaffirmed his stance on abortion, The Detroit News reported. While describing himself as “pro-life,” Rogers stated that he would not seek to overturn the constitutional amendment passed in Michigan, which affirms the legality of abortion, as it aligns with the will of the state’s citizens. He clarified that he wouldn’t support any national legislation restricting abortion if it contradicted Michigan law, which allows state regulation of abortion care after fetal viability, typically around 24 weeks. Rogers is expected to face a competitive Republican primary race in August 2024 for the Senate seat currently held by Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who is not seeking re-election.

His announcement potentially makes the Michigan Senate race competitive as the GOP seeks to regain the Senate majority in the 2024 elections, with the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) endorsing Rogers, Fox News reported. However, Democrats have noted Rogers’ years of living in Florida after retiring from Congress and anticipate a contested GOP primary in the race. Democrats currently hold a slim majority in the Senate, and Republicans need a net gain of one or two seats in 2024 to regain the majority.

Rogers, a former member of Congress and chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, is known for his bipartisan efforts in collaborating with multiple stakeholders to ensure adequate resources for the nation’s defense, the National Security Institute said. He founded the Leadership to Ensure the American Dream (LEAD) initiative in 2021, focusing on reigniting optimism in the American Dream. Rogers is actively involved in supporting companies addressing healthcare, energy efficiency and communication challenges. He also contributes to national security discussions through his role as a member of the Board of Trustees and the David Abshire Chair at the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress. Additionally, he serves on the Advisory Board for George Mason University’s National Security and Law Policy Institute. Rogers is a 1985 graduate of Adrian College and is married to Kristi Rogers, with whom he has two children.