Former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers Eyes 2026 Michigan Senate Race (9&10 New)
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers is set to announce a second Republican bid for Michigan’s U.S. Senate seat in 2026, sources confirm. This follows his narrow defeat to Democrat Elissa Slotkin in the previous cycle.
Multiple sources, who requested anonymity, shared that Rogers intends to enter the race for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat. His announcement is expected soon. In a statement on the social platform X, Rogers hinted at “good news coming soon” and confirmed he’s “strongly considering joining the fight again.”
With the retirement of Democratic Sen. Gary Peters, Michigan’s U.S. Senate race is poised to become one of the most competitive in the nation. Peters, who announced his decision to retire earlier this week, leaves the seat open, adding to the challenge for Senate Democrats, who are working to regain control of the chamber currently held by Republicans with a 53-47 majority.
Rogers Looks to Improve Upon 2024 Senate Loss
This will be Rogers’ second attempt at securing a Senate seat after narrowly losing to Slotkin in 2024 by less than 19,000 votes. His previous loss to Slotkin, along with the new open seat, has spurred speculation about a strong comeback bid.
Mike Rogers, an Army veteran and former FBI agent, served seven terms in Congress, including two terms as the chair of the House Intelligence Committee. After leaving Congress in 2015, Rogers briefly served as a national security advisor during President Donald Trump’s transition.
Challenges and Opportunities for Rogers in the 2026 Senate Race
Rogers may have a stronger position in 2026 with greater name recognition and more time to campaign. This comes in contrast to his 2024 campaign, when he entered the race nearly six months after Elissa Slotkin. However, Rogers will be without the boost of campaigning alongside Trump, who received nearly 80,000 more votes than Kamala Harris in Michigan during the 2020 presidential race.
Competitive Senate Race in Michigan: Potential Crowded Primaries
As Michigan prepares for a heated Senate race, both major parties could face crowded primaries. Several Democratic contenders, including former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, Rep. Hillary Scholten, and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, are considering running for the seat.
On the Republican side, Tudor Dixon, who ran for governor in 2022, is also weighing a Senate bid. Republicans have not won a U.S. Senate race in Michigan in over 30 years, adding to the significance of this upcoming race.
