The Senate race in Michigan between Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Elissa Slotkin is described as neck and neck, with Rogers receiving a major boost from the Michigan Farm Bureau, which endorsed him despite not endorsing a GOP Senate candidate in nearly 20 years. Slotkin had touted her own farm during a forum with the bureau, claiming to grow soy and corn on about 300 acres of land. However, property records show that her parcel of land is actually just 10 acres and aerial images show no evidence of corn or soybeans being grown. Despite this, Slotkin continues to claim a farming tax credit, further damaging her credibility with the farm bureau.
As a result of Slotkin’s misleading statements about her farming background, she lost the major endorsement that outgoing Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow had previously earned in the last two election cycles. In response, a National Republican Senatorial Committee spokeswoman criticized Slotkin for lying about being a farmer and stated that Rogers now has the momentum in the Michigan Senate race. The farm bureau’s endorsement of Rogers is significant, as they had not endorsed a Republican running for a Michigan Senate seat since 2006. Additionally, the bureau has endorsed a total of 89 candidates, including 11 new candidates in 2024, and President Donald Trump in the past.
In addition to endorsing Rogers, the Michigan Farm Bureau’s AgriPac also endorsed Republicans in two close House races: Rep. John James, who is defending his seat from Democrat Carl Marlinga, and former state rep Tom Barrett in his open-seat race against Democrat Curtis Hertel Jr. Rogers, in response to his endorsement, promised to represent farmers’ interests in Congress and address their struggles with rising input costs and government regulations. The farm bureau urged its members to spread the word about Rogers and the other endorsed candidates, encouraging them to put signs on their property to show their support for Friends of Agriculture.
Overall, the Michigan Farm Bureau’s endorsements play a significant role in the upcoming elections, with their backing of candidates like Mike Rogers and others influencing the outcome. The endorsement of Rogers, despite the lack of GOP Senate support in the past, showcases his ability to gain momentum and support in a close race. Slotkin’s credibility and honesty were questioned due to her misleading statements about her farm, ultimately costing her the major endorsement. The farm bureau’s encouragement of its members to support endorsed candidates demonstrates the importance of agriculture in Michigan politics and the impact it can have on election outcomes.
