The race for the Michigan Senate seat is becoming increasingly competitive, with abortion rights taking center stage. Republican candidate Mike Rogers, a former congressman, has released a campaign ad reiterating his commitment to upholding the state’s abortion rights amendment, passed by voters in 2022. The amendment enshrined the “fundamental right to reproductive freedom” into Michigan law, protecting access to abortion, contraception, and infertility treatments.
Rogers’ ad aims to counter claims from his Democratic opponent, Rep. Elissa Slotkin, who has been criticizing his past statements on abortion. In one ad, Slotkin highlights Rogers’ 1994 support for restrictions on abortion, citing his statement that he considered abortion “intentional taking of life.” She also points to his reported support for a “human life amendment” in a questionnaire from two decades ago, which would classify a fertilized egg as a person, effectively banning abortion.
Rogers, however, has maintained that his past views on abortion do not reflect his current stance. He has consistently affirmed his support for the Michigan abortion law and has pledged not to support any federal legislation that contradicts it. He has also echoed former President Trump’s position on leaving abortion decisions to individual states.
The abortion issue is resonating with Michigan voters. In a July Fox News Poll, abortion was the third most cited top issue for voters, behind the economy and immigration.
The Michigan Senate race is considered a toss-up by political experts, despite the seat’s historical tendency to lean Democrat. The competition between Rogers and Slotkin highlights the growing importance of abortion rights in the 2024 election cycle. This race is likely to be a closely watched battleground as voters weigh the candidates’ positions on this critical issue.
