In a significant development, former Republican Michigan Representative Mike Rogers has received an endorsement from President Donald Trump for his 2026 Senate run.
This endorsement, announced on Thursday evening, has effectively paved the way for Rogers, a two-time Senate candidate, in one of the most closely monitored races of the midterms.
According to the Daily Caller, Rogers, who was potentially facing a primary challenge until Tuesday, is now set to sail smoothly into the general election, bolstered by unified Republican support following Trump's endorsement. Republican Michigan Representative Bill Huizenga, who was contemplating his own run, withdrew from the race on Wednesday. This move allowed Rogers to secure the President's endorsement, which will likely facilitate his path to the Republican nomination.
In a post on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump lauded Rogers' service to the nation, stating, "From the U.S. Army to Congress, Mike has served our Nation with distinction, and will bring that same Fighting Spirit to the U.S. Senate."
Senate Republicans perceive the open race in Michigan as a golden opportunity to expand their 53-seat majority during the midterms. This comes after Democratic Michigan Senator Gary Peters opted not to seek reelection in January, following Trump's victory in the state by approximately 80,000 votes last November.
Rogers narrowly missed being elected to the Senate last November, falling short by less than 20,000 votes to Democratic Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin. Trump had also endorsed Rogers' candidacy during the 2024 cycle.
Huizenga's withdrawal from the race has been a welcome relief for national Republican groups. They can now fully support Rogers, avoiding a potentially damaging primary fight that could have weakened the eventual nominee. Trump reportedly informed Huizenga that he would not receive the president's support if he entered the Republican primary.
The president's endorsement is also expected to enhance the Rogers campaign's ability to connect with voters who supported Trump last November but did not vote for down-ballot candidates. Chris LaCivita, co-chair of Trumps 2024 presidential campaign, is advising Rogers' Senate run.
Rogers enjoys the backing of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and Republican Michigan Representatives Jack Bergman and Tim Walberg. "President Trump is all in for Mike. Im all in for Mike. Republicans are all in for Mike. Michigan is all in for Mike," said NRSC chairman Tim Scott. "Mike Rogers is the leader who will grow President Trumps Senate Majority in 2026."
While Republicans are rallying behind Rogers, Democrats are embroiled in a chaotic four-way primary contest with no apparent frontrunner, as per recent polls.
Democratic Michigan Representative Haley Stevens and former public health official Abdul El-Sayed are in a tight race, with 24% and 22% support respectively. Democratic Michigan state legislator Mallory McMorrow trails at 11%, according to a July NRSC poll. Former Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate garnered just 1% of the vote. Notably, El-Sayed has the support of Independent Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders.
Rogers expressed gratitude for Trump's endorsement, stating, "Im grateful to have President Trumps complete and total endorsement. For 32 years, Michigans left-wing leaders have failed families and failed our state. Its time for a voice in the Senate that represents real Michigan values."
In a separate development, President Trump also endorsed Huizenga's reelection on Thursday. However, the Michigan Republican has not yet announced if he plans to run for a ninth term.
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