GOP former Rep. Mike Rogers launches another Michigan Senate run

Former Representative Mike Rogers from Michigan, a Republican, announced his Senate campaign on Monday, becoming the initial major GOP candidate to enter one of the most competitive races of the 2026 midterm elections. The Michigan Senate race is crucial in the battle for Senate control, as Republicans aim to expand their majority. With Senator Gary Peters retiring, Democrats will be defending an open Senate seat.

Rogers is seeking election again after his loss to Democrat Elissa Slotkin in the previous year. Slotkin defeated Rogers by a slim margin despite Donald Trump winning the state by 1 point. In a video launching his Senate bid, Rogers referenced Trump, expressing his commitment to Michigan and aligning with the former president to fulfill the mandate from the American people.

While it remains uncertain if he will receive Trump’s endorsement this time, Rogers received Trump’s backing in the previous primary race after around six months of campaigning. Senate GOP leaders, including Majority Leader John Thune and National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Tim Scott, endorsed Rogers early on Monday, indicating support for his candidacy.

The Michigan Senate race may witness a competitive primary, with Tudor Dixon and GOP Rep. Bill Huizenga contemplating their candidacy. On the Democratic side, State Sen. Mallory McMorrow has already entered the race, with Rep. Haley Stevens considering a Senate bid and Abdul El-Sayed contemplating a run.

Rogers, a former FBI agent who served as chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, was elected to the House in 2000 and did not seek re-election last year.