In the 2024 Senate race, Elissa Slotkin and Mike Rogers are competing for Michigan’s vote. Rodgers is attempting to become the first Republican to win a Michigan Senate race in 30 years.

Elissa Slotkin is a U.S. Congresswoman representing the 7th District of Michigan, which includes Oakland County. She formerly served as a national security official. She is a House Armed Services Committee member and the Vice Chair of the Intelligence & Special Operations Subcommittee. She is also a member of the House Agriculture Committee, serving on the Conservation, Research and Biotechnology Subcommittee.

“[Her issues] focus on how we can bring critical manufacturing and jobs back to mid-Michigan, lower the cost of prescription drugs and healthcare, protect Michigan’s lakes and drinking water, win the competition with China for our national and economic security and honor our commitment to our veterans,” her House biography reads.

Mike Rogers is also a U.S. Congressman, having served in Michigan’s 8th District from 2001-2015. After serving in the Army, he became a Special Agent in the FBI. Rogers then served as a State Senator, and afterward, he represented Michigan in Congress. He served on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Additionally, he served as the Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee.

His issues include the cost of living and the economy, concerns over Communist China, securing the border and restoring law and order.

“We can stop the spending in Washington that drove up prices. We can prioritize an all-of-the-above American energy policy that lowers gas prices and strengthens our hand with China. As someone who served in our nation’s military, I know we can secure our border with barriers, technology and enforcing the law,” Roger’s campaign website reads.

Rogers has been officially endorsed by former President Donald Trump, which boosted support among Republican voters from 27% to 67%. This is a dramatic change in support, and a Trump endorsement has had major effects on Roger’s trajectory. 

“It’s unbelievable … A 40-percentage point bounce? It shows you how strong it is. I’m surprised it’s that much, but if you look at whom the endorsement is coming from, maybe I shouldn’t be,” Steve Mitchell of Mitchell Research & Communications said.

In this election, Rogers will follow closely with the Trump outcome in Michigan — essentially the outcomes in both will likely go hand in hand. 

“Michigan will be a state where our outcome in the Michigan Senate race will be probably very closely tied to President Trump’s outcome in Michigan … Trump’s number and Mike Rogers’ number will be very close,” Montana Sen. Steve Daines, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said.

According to ABC News, Slotkin is polling ahead of Rogers with 48.3% compared to 43.7%. Most other polls have Slotkin favored in the race.

Both candidates have agreed to two debates. The first debate was on Oct. 8 in Grand Rapids. The conversation was a mainly civil debate focusing on topics such as national security, Medicare, and abortion. 

The second debate is set to be on Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. in Southfield. The debate will be hosted by WXYZ-TV.