Former GOP Michigan congressman and senatorial candidate Mike Rogers could be back on the ballot in 2026, as the Republican is eyeing the race to replace Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI).
Only two months have passed since the 2024 election, during which Michigan’s open Senate seat left vacant by Debbie Stabenow was considered one of the toughest battleground contests of the cycle. Now, the Great Lakes State is preparing for another tough contest after Peters announced he would not seek reelection in the 2026 midterm election.
The open seat is already drawing several possible contenders — including Rogers, who lost to now-Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) in November last year.
In a statement, Rogers touted his historic vote count for a Republican candidate in Michigan, saying the mission to send a “real fighter” to the Senate has only “just begun.”
“That’s why Kristi and I are strongly considering joining the fight once again — to be the ally that President Trump needs and the leader that Michigan deserves,” Rogers said. “Good news is coming soon.”
A source with knowledge of Rogers’ plans confirmed to the Washington Examiner the former congressman is considering a run for the Senate only — not governor, as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D-MI) term expires in 2026.
Michigan, a historically blue state that’s trended purple over the last few cycles, flipped red in the 2024 election with President Donald Trump’s win over former Vice President Kamala Harris.
This trend puts the GOP in a more favorable position heading into 2026, albeit without Trump on the top of the ticket to drive turnout.
No one has announced a bid for Peters’ seat, though several Democrats, including Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Whitmer, have said they will not seek a Senate run.
Eyes are on former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II to see whether they launch bids for the Democratic nomination, with sources confirming to multiple outlets Buttigieg is considering a campaign. Democratic Reps. Haley Stevens and Hillary Scholten are also eyeing a run, according to the Detroit News.
Other Republican candidates who could potentially face Rogers include Rep. John James (R-MI), who represents Michigan’s 10th Congressional District and previously ran for Senate, Rep. Bill Huizenga, and Tony Dungy, a television football analyst.
Peters announced on Tuesday that he would not seek reelection to a seat he’s held since 2015. He said he is ready for a “new chapter” and plans to spend more time with his family.
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Whitmer said in an interview with “The View” she doesn’t plan on seeking Peters’ seat.
“Three letters: NFW,” Whitmer said. “I am not going anywhere. I’ve got two more years on my term and a lot of things I want to get done as governor. What comes after that, I don’t know yet. I really don’t. I care a great deal. I will never totally check out, but I might want to walk the earth for a little while and get reacquainted with my family and myself for a little bit.”
Ramsey Touchberry contributed to this report.