DETROIT (AP) — Michigan voters are deciding between Democratic U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin and Republican former Congressman Mike Rogers in a tight battle for the U.S. Senate that could affect the balance of federal power.
Slotkin had a clear lead, but as Republicans grew more confident in Donald Trump’s presidential prospects in Michigan, the race attracted more attention from backers who believed Rogers had a good chance of becoming the first Republican to win a U.S. Senate seat in the state would win. 30 years.
The race could determine whether Democrats maintain their slim majority in the Senate, where they are defending more seats than Republicans in this election.
Slotkin, a former CIA analyst and third-term representative, launched her Senate campaign shortly after Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow announced her retirement in early 2023. With a largely uncontested primary, Slotkin has built a significant fundraising advantage, much of which she has invested. advertisements during the final month of the race. She has also received high-profile endorsements from figures like former President Barack Obama and Stabenow, who helped her campaign last month.
On the Republican side, Rogers faced multiple challengers for the party’s nomination, including former Reps. Justin Amash and Peter Meijer, the latter of whom withdrew before the Aug. 6 primary. Rogers served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2001 to 2015 and served as chairman of the House Intelligence Committee.
Rogers would become the first Republican since Spence Abraham in 1994 to win a U.S. Senate race in Michigan.
The presidential race for the top of the ticket could significantly influence the outcome. Rogers repeatedly accused Slotkin of voting “100% behind the Biden-Harris agenda” and aligned himself closely with Republican candidate Donald Trump, who endorsed him.
Slotkin used her funding advantage to establish her story early, with the goal of connecting with both her base and disillusioned Republicans.
“For those Republicans who feel like their party has failed them in recent years, you always have an open door in my office,” Slotkin said during their only debate.
Metro Detroit could be a vulnerable area for Slotkin as frustration over the Biden administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war hits down-at-heel Democrats. Slotkin, who is Jewish, has supported Israel while criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Many leaders of the state’s large Muslim community expressed frustration that they and other Democrats have not advocated more forcefully for the Palestinians.
