LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Republican candidate for Senate, Mike Rogers, has gained his first political endorsement from U.S. Congressman Tim Walberg (R-Tipton), a previous co-worker during his time in the U.S. legislature. 

“I am proud to have the endorsement of one of Michigan’s finest leaders, Congressman Tim Walberg,” Rogers said on social media Monday morning. 

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Former U.S. Representative and Senator Mike Rogers announced his decision to campaign in early September for the soon to be vacant Senate seat held by Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing). 

“America under Biden and his cronies is going in the wrong direction,” Rogers said in a campaign launch video. “We can do better, and that’s why I’m running for the United States Senate. To get government out of the way, unleash American innovation and take common sense back to Washington.”

Shortly after his announcement to run, the Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM) officially endorsed Rogers. 

“As a long-time friend and supporter of the union, Rogers is aligned with Michigan law enforcement and their challenges; he’s ready to ‘fight to get government out of the way, unleash American innovation, and take common sense back to Washington,’’ said POAM. 

POAM President Jim Tignanelli also highlighted Rogers’ support for law enforcement. 

“He was a friend of the police,” said Tignanelli. “He recognizes the fact that being 4,000 short in the state of Michigan on law enforcement is not a way to attract people to move here and invest here. and raise their children here. So we wish him the best. We’re hoping that we will win. We really do. And we’re glad to call him our friend.”

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When he last won his election to the U.S. House, Rogers beat his Democratic opponent, Lance Enderle, by more than 21% of the votes, securing roughly 57% of the votes in the 2012 general election. 

While Rogers was favored in previous elections, he will now be challenging several Democrat candidates including current U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin (D-Lansing) and actor Hill Harper. 

Candidate Rogers will also need to win the favor of the voters over several campaigning for the Republican nomination including former Detroit police Chief James Craig, former U.S. Representative Peter Meijer of Grand Rapids Township, and Grosse Pointe Park businessman Sandy Pensler. 

Rep. Walberg’s political endorsement comes after Rogers’ announcement that he’s collected more than 30,000 petition signatures and raised more than $824,000 for the campaign. 

“Mike Rogers has dedicated his life to serving and fighting for the people of Michigan, and I’m happy to offer my full endorsement in his race for the U.S. Senate,” Walberg said in a statement according to the Detroit News. “Mike is doing everything it takes to defeat the Democrats, take on Biden’s policies that are hurting families, and unite Republicans in November. His experience and leadership will ensure that he’s effective on day one, and he’ll be the fighter that Michigan has been missing in the U.S. Senate.”

The GOP has not won a Michigan U.S. Senate race in nearly two decades.