The Michigan Senate race has taken a dramatic turn this week with the Michigan Farm Bureau’s AgriPac throwing its weight behind former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers, potentially upending the already tight contest against incumbent Democrat Rep. Elissa Slotkin. This endorsement marks a significant shift for the group, which has a history of supporting Democrats in the race, including outgoing Senator Debbie Stabenow.
This move carries significant weight, as agriculture is a major industry in Michigan, contributing over $100 billion annually to the state’s economy and employing nearly a million people. The AgriPac endorsement could sway voters in this key battleground state.
Rogers expressed his gratitude for the support, highlighting the struggles faced by farmers under the current administration. He vowed to prioritize their needs by advocating for lower costs, reduced regulations, and the passage of the Farm Bill.
While Slotkin has served on the House Agriculture Committee and enjoys the support of the Senate Agriculture Committee Chair, Debbie Stabenow, the AgriPac endorsement has proven to be a major blow. Both Stabenow and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair, Gary Peters, have expressed their disappointment and dismissed the AgriPac’s decision.
Peters even went so far as to label the group an extension of the Republican Party. Rogers, however, countered this accusation, pointing out AgriPac’s support for 14 Democrats in the state during this election cycle. He further highlighted the AgriPac’s thorough process, suggesting that Peters’ statement demonstrated a lack of understanding of the agriculture community.
The race between Slotkin and Rogers has tightened considerably as the election nears. While recent polls show Slotkin maintaining a lead, Rogers remains confident that the AgriPac endorsement will make a difference. He believes it will draw attention to his campaign and resonate with voters, particularly farmers and independent voters who remain undecided.
With the AgriPac endorsement and a close race ahead, the outcome of the Michigan Senate race remains uncertain. The contest continues to be one of the most closely watched in the country, with implications for the balance of power in the Senate.
