First on Fox: Republican launches second straight bid to flip Democrat-held Senate seat in key battleground

Former Rep. Mike Rogers, a Republican Senate candidate in Michigan, has officially announced his candidacy for the 2026 Senate race to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters. Rogers, a former FBI special agent and chair of the House Intelligence Committee, is emphasizing his long history of service in the military, the FBI, and as an elected lawmaker as he launches his campaign.
In a video shared exclusively with Fox News, Rogers pledged to fight for Michigan and stand with President Donald Trump, promising to prioritize the needs of the state above all else. Despite narrowly losing the 2024 Senate race to Rep. Elissa Slotkin, Rogers is confident in his ability to win this time around.
The Senate seat in Michigan is a key battleground for both parties, with the National Republican Senatorial Committee targeting it as part of their effort to expand their majority in the chamber. Rogers is the first major Republican to enter the race, but he may face competition from Rep. Bill Huizenga, who has also expressed interest in running.
A potential endorsement from Trump, who endorsed Rogers in the 2024 Senate race, could play a significant role in shaping the Republican primary in Michigan. Rogers has already hired veteran Republican strategist Chris LaCivita as a senior advisor, indicating a strong focus on building a winning campaign team.
In addition to Rogers and Huizenga, other potential candidates include business executive Tudor Dixon and auto dealership executive Kevin Rinke. On the Democratic side, state Sen. Mallory McMorrow has already launched her campaign for the Senate seat, with others like Reps. Kristen McDonald Rivet and Haley Stevens and Attorney General Dana Nessel also considering a run.
The race for the Senate seat in Michigan is shaping up to be a competitive and closely watched contest, with both parties vying for control of this critical battleground state. As candidates begin to announce their intentions and build their campaigns, the political landscape in Michigan is sure to heat up in the coming months.