Democrats are raising significant funds in Michigan and Illinois Senate races, with candidates like Mallory McMorrow and Raja Krishnamoorthi leading their respective primaries, while Republicans focus on primary battles and other political issues across the country.
Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin has been projected as the winner of the Michigan Senate race, succeeding outgoing Sen. Debbie Stabenow. Slotkin expressed gratitude to Michiganders for their trust and looks forward to stepping into Stabenow's role in January. Her opponent, former Republican congressman Mike Rogers, conceded the race, congratulating Slotkin and expressing pride in his campaign alongside President-elect Donald Trump. Slotkin defeated Hill Harper in the primary, while Rogers bested Justin Amash and Sherry O'Donnell.
President Biden is making strides in winning back progressive, pro-Palestinian voters who had previously criticized his support for Israel, with some activists acknowledging a shift in his stance. Meanwhile, Trump's recent statement on leaving abortion decisions to states has drawn criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, but some GOP operatives see it as an opportunity to shape the party's position on the issue. In the Michigan Senate race, former Rep. Mike Rogers, endorsed by Trump, is facing backlash from both MAGA supporters and Never Trumpers, creating a chaotic primary that Michigan Democrats hope will leave the GOP with a damaged nominee. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s independent presidential bid is facing challenges in gaining support from baby boomers, who are paying close attention to the 2024 campaign.
Former President Donald Trump endorsed former Rep. Mike Rogers in Michigan's Republican primary for the Senate seat held by Sen. Debbie Stabenow, a Democrat not seeking re-election. Rogers, previously critical of Trump, has since praised him and received the endorsement. The crowded GOP primary also includes former congressmen Justin Amash and Peter Meijer, as well as Nikki Snyder and Sandy Pensler. Trump's involvement adds fuel to the competitive race in a swing state, with Rep. Elissa Slotkin emerging as the Democratic front-runner.
Former Rep. Justin Amash, a Republican-turned-independent who voted to impeach Trump, has entered Michigan's crowded GOP Senate primary, joining a field that includes two former congressmen and a businessman. Amash, known for his libertarian ideology, left the GOP in 2019 and became a Trump critic. He faces a tight timeline to qualify for the August primary ballot, needing 15,000 verified petition signatures by April 23. His entry adds further complexity to the race, with Mike Rogers seen as a front-runner and Rep. Elissa Slotkin leading the Democratic Senate nomination.
Former Republican congressman Justin Amash is considering a return to the GOP for the Michigan Senate race, after leaving the party in 2019 to become an independent. Amash, a vocal critic of former President Trump, has been exploring a potential political comeback and is now eyeing a run for the Senate as a Republican, a move that could shake up the dynamics of the race.
Former Michigan Rep. Peter Meijer's entry into the state's Senate race has been met with resistance from the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC). The NRSC expressed concerns about Meijer's viability in a primary election and the potential for him to split the moderate vote, hindering the chances of a Republican victory in the general election. Meijer, a centrist who has distanced himself from Donald Trump, lost a House primary in 2021 after voting to impeach Trump. The NRSC has been actively involved in shaping primary races to avoid controversial nominees and improve their chances of winning in key states.
Former GOP Rep. Mike Rogers, who served in Congress for 14 years and chaired the House Intelligence Committee, has entered the race for Michigan's open Senate seat. Rogers' candidacy gives Republicans a credible candidate in a state where they have struggled to secure a strong recruit. The Senate race in Michigan is crucial for determining control of the narrowly divided chamber in 2025. Incumbent Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow announced her retirement earlier this year, and Rogers' entry into the race adds to the competition, which includes Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin and actor Hill Harper. Rogers took aim at President Joe Biden in his announcement, criticizing his policies and accusing politicians of focusing on trivial issues while China poses a threat. The GOP faces the possibility of a messy primary, with other potential candidates considering runs.
Actor Hill Harper, known for his role in "The Good Doctor," has announced his candidacy for Michigan's 2024 Senate race as a Democrat. Harper aims to bring a fresh perspective to politics and prioritize people-powered representation over establishment politics. He joins a field of Democrats vying to replace retiring Sen. Debbie Stabenow, including Rep. Elissa Slotkin. Harper's campaign highlights the need for diverse representation and a government that works for the people. He will face several other Democratic candidates in the primary race.