Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., faced a setback in the Michigan Senate race as the Michigan Farm Bureau's AgriPac endorsed her Republican opponent, former Rep. Mike Rogers. This endorsement marked a departure from AgriPac's usual support for the Democratic candidate in that Senate seat, with the last Republican endorsement dating back to 2006. Rogers expressed gratitude for the endorsement, emphasizing his commitment to supporting Michigan farmers amidst challenges such as rising costs and regulations.
Agriculture holds significant influence in Michigan, being one of the state's top three industries. The sector contributes over $100 billion annually to the state's economy and employs nearly a million people, constituting 22% of Michigan's employment. The endorsement of Rogers by AgriPac was deemed noteworthy by a Michigan Republican strategist, given the group's historical alignment with the Republican Party.
Democratic figures like Sen. Debbie Stabenow and Rep. Gary Peters expressed disappointment with the endorsement, highlighting Slotkin's role on the House Agriculture Committee and Stabenow's support for her. Despite Peters' dismissal of the endorsement as partisan, Rogers pointed out AgriPac's backing of multiple Democrats in the current election cycle.
The race between Slotkin and Rogers has intensified, with recent polls showing a tightening margin. While Slotkin maintains a lead, Rogers believes the AgriPac endorsement will resonate with voters, particularly farmers and independents. The competitive nature of the race has garnered attention, with political analysts categorizing it as a toss-up alongside the Ohio Senate election.
Rogers emphasized the significance of engaging with the farming community and addressing their concerns directly, underscoring the impact of personal interactions over negative advertising. He viewed the endorsement as pivotal not only among farmers but also in appealing to undecided independent voters.
