Residents of Michigan have taken a significant step in selecting their new senator as Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) and former Congressman Mike Rogers emerged victorious in their respective U.S. Senate primaries held on August 6.
Slotkin easily defeated her sole opponent, actor Hill Harper, in the Democratic primary, while Rogers secured the Republican nomination by defeating Justin Amash, another former congressman, and physician Sherry O’Donnell.
Both races were called by the Associated Press at 9 p.m.
A third Republican candidate, Sandy Pensler, previously dropped out in July and pledged his support to Rogers.
Now, the focus shifts to the general election in November.
The Senate seat, currently held by longtime Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), became a focal point during this challenging election cycle for Democrats. With a majority of the 33 seats being contested belonging to Democrats or independents who caucus with Democrats, Republicans are only two seats away from potentially gaining control over the chamber.
Slotkin, who has represented Michigan’s Seventh District since 2019, boasts a significantly larger campaign fund compared to Rogers. Federal campaign finance records indicate that Slotkin has raised over $24 million so far, with $8.7 million cash on hand. In contrast, Rogers has managed to raise $5.3 million, leaving him with just under $2.5 million in cash reserves.
On August 7, Republican candidate Mike Rogers will be joined by his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), during their visit to Michigan. Vice President Kamala Harris, alongside her running mate Tim Walz, will also campaign in the state on the same day.
In the lead-up to the August 6 primary election, Mike Rogers participated in a roundtable discussion with former Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, as well as activist Riley Gaines, a swimmer opposing the participation of biological males in women’s sports.
The Senate primaries coincided with other primary elections taking place across Michigan, as well as in Missouri and Washington on the same day.
Expressing his support for Slotkin, Brian Rucker stated, “I am a Democrat through and through,” when asked if recent stock market movements had influenced his voting decision.
Jim Cheesebro, who cast his vote as a Republican at a polling place in nearby Portage, voiced his hope that Slotkin’s fundraising advantage would not deter voters from considering an alternative candidate from the Republican party. He emphasized, “More money doesn’t mean a better candidate to me. More money doesn’t buy my vote.”