Former GOP intel chair considers Michigan Senate run after presidential flirtations

Former House Intelligence Chair Mike Rogers is seriously weighing a campaign for Michigan’s open Senate seat, a move that would shake up the state’s sleepy Senate race and divert him away from a longshot presidential bid.

The Michigan Republican, who served in the House for seven terms, has told party allies that he is considering entering the Senate race to replace retiring Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), according to a person familiar with the conversations. A second person who has spoken with Rogers recently confirmed the ex-lawmaker has real interest in the race.

Rogers has not made any plans official as he grapples with his political future.

“Mike Rogers is humbled by the outpouring of encouragement he’s received to run for federal office by Michigan friends, family and neighbors, as well as people across the country,” said John Stineman, an adviser to Rogers. “People recognize the need for strong leadership to meet the challenges America faces, and Rogers is actively considering the best way to continue his career of service."

As the former House member explores a potential run for the presidency, the field’s become increasingly crowded in recent weeks. He has argued people are looking for “steady” leadership and would not commit to supporting former President Donald Trump as the presidential nominee in a March interview with CBS.

In the Senate race, Democrats have largely united around Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) in her bid to succeed Stabenow, but the Republican side is more unsettled. John Tuttle, the vice chair of the New York Stock Exchange, is considering a bid for the Republican nomination. And former Rep. Peter Meijer (R-Mich.), a vociferous Trump critic who lost his reelection bid, is also weighing a run.

Regardless of who gets in on the GOP side, it’ll be an uphill battle. Michigan Republicans last won a Senate race in 1994, when Spencer Abraham was elected. He lost to Stabenow in 2000. Rep. John James, who narrowly lost two recent Senate races, has filed to run for reelection in the House.

And regardless of what office he pursues, Rogers will have to contend with his past criticisms of Trump. He’s said that the GOP needs to move on from the former president, arguing that “Trump’s time has passed” and calling his political tactics “destructive.”

Rogers registered to vote in Florida in 2022, according to voter records, but is actively scoping out property in Michigan. After announcing his plans to retire from the House in 2014, he pursued a career in radio and TV as a national security expert and started consulting on national security, eventually moving his business to Florida, according to the Detroit News.

Rogers first won his House seat in 2000, narrowly taking a battleground district that set the stage for him to eventually become one of the most high-profile Republicans in Congress.

Sarah Ferris contributed to this report.