tr?id=&ev=PageView&noscript=

Race to Watch: Elissa Slotkin vs. Mike Rogers for US Senate

By Kyle Kaminski

August 22, 2024

Michiganders have some big decisions to make in the November election—including a choice between US Rep. Elissa Slotkin or former US Rep. Mike Rogers for US Senate.

MICHIGAN—US Rep. Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat, will face off in November against former US Rep. Mike Rogers, a Republican, for one of two seats representing Michigan in the US Senate. 

Every eligible registered voter in Michigan can vote in this US Senate race—and the winner will go on to serve a six-year term in Congress. This election is particularly critical because it could determine which political party controls the US Senate, where Democrats hold a 51-49 majority.

The outcome of the election could also go on to shape the future of federal policy on key issues that affect the day-to-day lives of millions of Michiganders—like access to affordable healthcare, job creation, reproductive rights, clean energy investments, and environmental protections.

Here’s a quick primer on the race, along with links to some other relevant news:

US Rep. Elissa Slotkin

Slotkin is a third-generation Michigander who grew up on her family farm in Holly. She was recruited by the CIA, served three tours in Iraq alongside the US military, and worked on the national security staff for both President George W. Bush and Barack Obama’s administrations.

She’s currently in her third term in the US House and has vowed to stay focused finding new ways to lower costs for working class families—including by passing bills to bring down the cost of prescription drugs and help ensure that critical manufacturing supply chains stay in the US.

Slotkin has also been a big advocate for both labor unions and military veterans. 

Former US Rep. Mike Rogers 

Rogers served 14 years in Congress before announcing his retirement in 2014, moving to Florida, and making millions of dollars working in various board and consultancy jobs. 

His voting record includes a history of lobbying for a nationwide abortion ban, as well as other bills that would’ve restricted access to reproductive care. He has also leaned into white nationalist rhetoric by falsely claiming “foreigners” are responsible for increasing rates of crime.

During his time in the US House, Rogers routinely consorted with lobbyists and repeatedly stood in the way of campaign finance reforms that were designed to minimize corporate influence in politics and help bring more transparency to political spending in Congress.

Rogers has also suggested the federal government should “rethink” Social Security and Medicaid benefits by raising the retirement age. He also voted in support of federal legislation to limit prescription drug benefits for Medicare recipients, and voted against bills to give Medicare the power to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies to lower prescription drug prices.

More Coverage from The ‘Gander

Race to Watch: Elissa Slotkin vs. Mike Rogers for US Senate

Check your voter registration status, see who else is on your ballot, and make a voting plan here.

Author

  • Kyle Kaminski

    Kyle Kaminski is an award-winning investigative journalist with more than a decade of experience covering news across Michigan. Prior to joining The ‘Gander, Kyle worked as the managing editor at City Pulse in Lansing and as a reporter for the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

CATEGORIES: Election 2024

Support Our Cause

Thank you for taking the time to read our work. Before you go, we hope you'll consider supporting our values-driven journalism, which has always strived to make clear what's really at stake for Michiganders and our future.

Since day one, our goal here at The 'Gander has always been to empower people across the state with fact-based news and information. We believe that when people are armed with knowledge about what's happening in their local, state, and federal governments—including who is working on their behalf and who is actively trying to block efforts aimed at improving the daily lives of Michigan families—they will be inspired to become civically engaged.

Karel Vega
Karel Vega, Community Editor
Your support keeps us going
Help us continue delivering fact-based news to Michiganders
Related Stories
Share This