Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, a potential running mate for former President Donald Trump, recently endorsed former Rep. Mike Rogers of Michigan in the GOP Senate primary. Rogers, who served as the House Intelligence Committee chair, is the front-runner in the race to succeed Sen. Debbie Stabenow, a Democrat who is not seeking re-election. The seat is one of several that Republicans are aiming to flip from blue to red as they work to regain the Senate majority lost in the 2020 cycle. Scott praised Rogers for his commitment to service and leadership in expanding opportunities for working families, endorsing him to be Michigan’s next U.S. Senator.
This endorsement from Scott, revealed first to Fox News, is his first formal endorsement in a Senate race this election cycle. Rogers, an Army veteran and former FBI special agent, has the support of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) and previously received an endorsement from Trump. Rogers aims to work with President Trump to help Michigan families, fuel the economy, and secure the southern border. He has also garnered support from seven Republican senators, Mike Pompeo, and former Detroit police chief James Craig. However, Rogers faces competition in the primary from businessman Sandy Pensler, former Rep. Justin Amash, and others.
As Republicans seek to win a Senate election in Michigan after three decades, they hope to avoid a contentious and expensive primary. Rogers’ rivals are working to challenge his lead, with Pensler spending heavily on ads targeting Rogers. Former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has endorsed Pensler, while Amash has also entered the race. The primary is set to take place on August 6, with Republicans in Michigan striving to unite behind a nominee who can defeat the Democratic candidate in the general election.
Tim Scott, the sole Black Republican in the Senate, is a popular and influential figure in the party despite an unsuccessful presidential bid in 2024. Known for his strong fundraising abilities, Scott has raised significant sums for his own campaigns as well as for fellow Republicans. In the 2022 cycle, he raised nearly $1 million for other candidates and donated over $1 million to down-ballot races. Additionally, two groups aligned with Scott spent $13 million on key Senate and House races and transferred $5 million to a super PAC supporting Senate Republicans. A super PAC working with Scott announced plans to spend $14 million to boost support among Black voters.
Scott’s endorsement of Rogers in the Michigan Senate primary reflects his commitment to supporting Republicans in their efforts to flip key seats and regain the Senate majority. With his strong fundraising track record and deep connections within the party, Scott plays a crucial role in shaping the GOP’s electoral strategy. As the primary election approaches, the race in Michigan will be closely watched to see if Rogers can secure the nomination and build momentum heading into the general election. Regardless of the outcome, Scott’s involvement underscores the importance of strategic endorsements in competitive Senate races.
