Mike Rogers nabs another high-profile endorsement in competitive Senate race

EXCLUSIVE — Former Rep. Mike Rogers secured another high-profile endorsement from a sitting senator as the Army veteran and former House Republican vies for the competitive Michigan Senate seat that could determine the balance of power in the upper chamber next year.

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) endorsed Rogers in the GOP primary, marking Rogers’s fourth endorsement from a sitting senator since announcing his Senate run earlier this year. Sens. Katie Britt (R-AL) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) offered their endorsements to Rogers last week, following the backing of National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Steve Daines who threw his support behind Rogers when he announced his campaign in September.

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“It’s my honor to endorse Mike Rogers of Michigan for the U.S. Senate,” Capito said in a statement. “Mike is a passionate leader who’s dedicated his life to serving our great country in the Army, FBI, and in Congress where I had the pleasure of working with him to further our shared conservative values. Mike’s unmatched national security experience, commitment to holding China accountable, and dedication to the American people will make him a tremendous U.S. Senator.”

Rogers was recruited by the NRSC, making him the highest-profile Republican in the crowded primary to run for the open seat being vacated by the retiring Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). The race has garnered national attention as a pickup opportunity for Republicans as they seek to flip control of the Senate next year.

Several national Republicans have coalesced around Rogers to secure the party’s nomination, viewing him as their best choice to face Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), who is also vying for her party’s nomination. Rogers has not yet won the GOP nomination and is facing a crowded field that includes former Rep. Peter Meijer (R-MI) and former Detroit Police Chief James Craig, among others.

Democrats currently hold a 51-49 majority in the Senate, with the advantage of having Vice President Kamala Harris as a tiebreaker vote if needed. As a result, Republicans only need to flip one Senate seat to win the majority should they win back the White House in 2024. If they don’t regain the Oval Office, the party only needs to secure two extra Senate seats.

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There are a total of 34 Senate seats up for grabs in the 2024 election cycle. Of these, Democrats must defend 23, compared to just 11 for Republicans — and nearly all competitive seats are currently held by Democrats, putting them on the defensive as they try to maintain their slim majority.

The Michigan Senate race is expected to be one of the most competitive races next year, with the nonpartisan Cook Political Report rating it as Lean Democrat.