Former Congressman Mike Rogers launched a campaign for U.S. Senate on Monday with a vow to “be an ally for President Trump and champion for Michigan” in the upper chamber.
“President Trump needs strong allies in the Senate to help him deliver on the mandate given by the American people,” Rogers wrote in a post to X. “That means bringing manufacturing jobs back to Michigan, protecting seniors’ social security, lowering the costs of gas, groceries & prescription drugs, and setting our kids up for success by improving the quality of their education.
“Michigan, let’s get to work,” the post read.
The post was accompanied by a video detailing his family background in Livingston County, service in the U.S. Army, and work as an FBI Special Agent. It highlighted the 61-year-old’s work championing education reform as a state senator, and his role as chair of the House Intelligence Committee in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
“Mike Rogers is a conservative fighter with a proven track record of delivering for Michigan. He will refocus schools on education, invest in skilled trades, and strengthen national security by countering cyber security threats from countries like Russia, China, and Iran,” according to a campaign news release. “He will also work with President Trump to bring manufacturing jobs back home, lower costs for hardworking families, and protect social security.”
Rogers is the first Republican candidate to declare a run to replace Sen. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township, who announced in January he won’t seek a third term in 2026.
Former Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin narrowly defeated Rogers last year to fill the first open U.S. Senate seat in Michigan since 2015, when Peters replaced Democratic Sen. Carl Levin.
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Republicans currently hold what’s effectively a 53-47 majority in the upper chamber, and Peters’ exit provides a rare opportunity to expand that advantage. Other potential Republican candidates include Congressman Bill Huizenga, of Zeeland, 2022 gubernatorial nominee Tudor Dixon, of Norton Shores, and state Sen. Jonathan Lindsey, of Coldwater, according to Michigan Advance.
State Sen. Mallory McMorrow, D-Royal Oak, became the first candidate to declare a run for the Senate with an announcement earlier this month.
Others Democrats considering a run include U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, of Birmingham, former state House Speaker Joe Tate, of Detroit, and Abdul El-Sayed, who served as Wayne County’s health director until he stepped down in late March, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Rogers last served in Congress in 2015, when he left to become a talk-radio host and moved to Florida. He returned to Michigan in 2023 to run for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who retired.
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Democrats targeted Rogers over questions about his residency in the 2024 Senate race, and he ultimately lost to Slotkin by just over 26,000 votes or 0.3% despite an endorsement from President Donald Trump.
On Monday, Rogers’ campaign announcement came with supportive statements from some top Republicans.
“As an Army veteran and former special agent, Mike understands the importance of putting service before self,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said in a statement. “We need him in the U.S. Senate to help achieve President Trump’s America First agenda and to bring manufacturing and good-paying jobs back to Michigan.”
Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said “Mike will always put Michigan first, fight for the needs of working families, and stand up to communist China.
“Michigan is a battleground state, and with Mike as our candidate, I know we will add this seat to President Trump’s Senate Majority in 2026,” Scott said.