With one of Michigan’s seats in the U.S. Senate up for grabs, Democratic U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin and Republican former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers are looking to fill it.
Neither candidate is new to the political scene. Slotkin has served as a representative for Michigan’s eighth congressional district from 2019 to 2023, then the seventh district since 2023, while Rogers served as the representative for the state’s eighth congressional district from 2001 to 2015.
With long-time Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow not seeking re-election, Slotkin looks to keep Michigan’s only open seat, which’s been blue for 24 years, in the hands of a Democrat. On the other side of the aisle, Rogers looks to become the first Republican senator elected in the state of Michigan since 1994. Here’s what the two politicians believe and support.
Elissa Slotkin:
Slotkin touts a long past of civil service, as she began working with the Central Intelligence Agency as an analyst in the Middle East shortly after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. From there, the now seventh congressional district representative worked with and for the United States National Security Council under former president George W. Bush and both the State Department and Department of Defense under former president Barack Obama. Slotkin’s campaign site lists her priorities as “support inclusive community and economic development,” “reduce health disparities” and “enact responsible gun laws and expand opportunities for youth” among other campaign promises.
Slotkin has also made statements showing her support for women’s reproductive rights and urging a fix to the “bleeding ulcer” when speaking about the United States’ southern border. On the economy, Slotkin believes that bringing home supply chains back to Michigan is the way to go. The Democratic nominee has been endorsed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, fellow U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten and Dan Kildee, Reproductive Freedom for All, Planned Parenthood Action Fund and 22 labor unions.
Mike Rogers:
Before beginning his political career, Rogers served in the U.S. Army from 1985 and 1989, then worked in the Federal Bureau of Investigations as a special agent. In 1994, the Livonia native was elected to the Michigan State Senate, serving until 1995. Rogers took over the state’s eight congressional district, serving for eight terms. During his time as a representative, he served as the Chair of the House Intelligence Committee from 2011 to 2015. The Republican representative then walked away from public service until his recent Senate bid. Rogers’ campaign site identifies his key issues as the “crumbling economy,” “Communist China,” “open border” and “rising crime.” Rogers’ push against China was seen locally in Big Rapids back in September when he spoke at Vice Presidential candidate JD Vance’s rally, targeting Gotion’s proposed EV battery plant in Mecosta County.
Concerning the economy, Rogers has stated that rolling back federal regulations and becoming “energy independent” would help with the country’s inflation. He has also supported reinstating Trump-era border policies. In 2022, Michigan enshrined reproductive rights into its constitution, a measure that Rogers has said he “won’t do anything to change it.” The Republican candidate is endorsed by current presidential candidate Donald Trump, former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, Republican Rep. John Moolernaar, the Detroit News Editorial Board and the Michigan Farm Bureau.
Slotkin and Rogers have sparred through their respective campaigns and heavily differ on most issues. Whoever wins the seat in the U.S. Senate will hold a six-year term and will not be up for re-election until 2030.