Great Lakes Wire

Former U.S. Representative Mike Rogers has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate as a Republican, seeking to fill the seat anticipated to be vacated by Senator Gary Peters of Oakland County. This marks Rogers' second attempt at the position, following his narrow defeat in the 2024 general election.

Rogers released his campaign announcement through a YouTube video, positioning himself as an advocate for former President Donald Trump. "Show up and do the hard work," he declared.

Rogers, age 61, is a former chair of the House Intelligence Committee and veteran of seven terms in the U.S. House until 2015. His career includes roles in law enforcement as an FBI special agent and service in the U.S. Army. Rogers has also served in the state Senate, including as majority floor leader from 1999 to 2000. He is originally from Livingston County and holds a bachelor's degree from Adrian College. Rogers is married and has two adult children.

In his announcement video, Rogers emphasized his record on cybersecurity and addressed perceived threats from nations like China, Russia, and Iran. He also criticized Senators Peters and Elissa Slotkin, linking them to New York Senator Chuck Schumer.

Curtis Hertel, Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, responded to Rogers' announcement, arguing that "Michiganders will once again see Rogers for who he is – a self-serving politician who is only ever looking out for himself, and they’ll reject him again just like they did in 2024."

Rogers discussed his previous campaign experience during an interview on Garrett Soldano's Grassroots Army podcast, recalling voting irregularities he alleged in Detroit during the 2024 election. Rogers believes lessons from that campaign have left him better prepared this time.

Rogers claimed, "We learned a lot on that go around, and we feel much better prepared to go after this thing." He also noted his previous strong performance relative to other Republican Senate candidates in Michigan.

Soldano inquired about Rogers' strategy targeting Senator Mallory McMorrow on issues like transgender sports. Rogers remarked, "We’re going to take the bark off of them early, and McMorrow is an easy target."

On the subject of campaign fundraising, Rogers acknowledged the challenges faced in the 2024 election and emphasized the importance of early financial backing. "If we get in the same circumstance, where you are not raising money until after the primary, nobody will win. No conservative Republican will win this state. Won’t happen.” he stated.

Though Rogers spoke with the confidence of an active candidate, he advised listeners to anticipate a definitive announcement by April 14: "We’re going to be the 800-pound gorilla coming down the tracks, and we’re going to take the bark off," he asserted.

Article courtesy of MIRS News for SBAM’s Lansing Watchdog newsletter.