Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin and former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers have emerged as the projected winners of their respective primary races for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat, according to CBS News projections. Slotkin secured victory over actor Hill Harper, while Rogers defeated former Rep. Justin Amash and Sherry O’Donnell in the primary contests.
The upcoming general election in November will see Slotkin and Rogers go head-to-head for the Senate seat currently held by Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who announced her decision not to seek reelection last year. The race for the Senate seat attracted a number of candidates initially, but the field eventually narrowed down to Slotkin and Rogers as the frontrunners.
The Michigan Senate race holds significance for both Democrats and Republicans, as the Democrats currently maintain a narrow margin in the Senate and are facing a tough battle to defend their seats in the upcoming elections. Michigan Republicans, on the other hand, have not secured a Senate victory in the state since 1994, making the outcome of this race crucial for both parties.
With Slotkin’s move to the Senate race, her House seat in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District is now up for grabs. Democratic candidate Curtis Hertel and Republican Tom Barrett, who ran uncontested, will compete in the general election for Slotkin’s vacated seat.
Harper, known for his roles in TV shows like “CSI: NY” and “The Good Doctor,” had expressed his desire to bring a fresh perspective to Congress as a small business owner and parent. On the other hand, Rogers received endorsements from former President Donald Trump and the financial backing of national Republicans, giving him a strong position in the race. Businessman Sandy Pensler, who initially ran for the nomination, dropped out of the race in July and threw his support behind Rogers.
The Senate race has been characterized by contrasting policy positions, with Slotkin focusing on protecting and expanding reproductive rights, while Rogers criticized the Biden administration’s approach to border security. These key issues have drawn attention to the race and highlighted the divergent views of the candidates on important policy matters.
As the campaign intensifies leading up to the general election, Slotkin and Rogers will continue to make their case to Michigan voters, vying for their support in what promises to be a closely contested race. The outcome of this Senate race will not only determine the representation of Michigan in the Senate but also have broader implications for the balance of power in the Senate as a whole.
Overall, the Michigan Senate race has garnered significant interest and attention from both political parties and voters, reflecting the high stakes involved in this crucial election. The contest between Slotkin and Rogers will undoubtedly shape the political landscape in Michigan and contribute to the national conversation on key policy issues and priorities.
