Who Is Mike Rogers? A Voter's Guide to the Republican Senate Nominee

MICHIGAN — Mike Rogers is the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in Michigan in 2026, competing for the seat previously held by Democrat Gary Peters. Rogers is running against Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, who narrowly defeated Congresswoman Haley Stevens in the Democratic primary. President Donald Trump has endorsed Rogers.

Early Life and Military Service

Rogers was born and raised in Livingston County, Michigan. He graduated from Howell High School and Adrian College, then served as a lieutenant in the United States Army. After leaving the Army, he joined the FBI as a Special Agent, working on organized crime and public corruption cases in Chicago.

Michigan State Senate and Congress

In 1994, Rogers was elected to the Michigan State Senate. During that time he authored legislation creating Michigan's 529 College Savings Program. In 2000, he won election to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing a district in mid-Michigan, in what was described as the closest House race in the country that year.

House Intelligence Committee

In Congress, Rogers served on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and became chairman of the House Intelligence Committee — a position that put him at the center of national security debates during his tenure. He was among the first members of Congress to publicly warn about economic and national security risks posed by China, and worked to protect Michigan's auto industry from Chinese intellectual property theft.

Private Sector and 2026 Campaign

Rogers left Congress in 2015 and entered the private sector, focusing on cybersecurity and working with businesses to protect against data threats. His 2026 campaign platform focuses on bringing manufacturing jobs back to Michigan, lowering costs for families, protecting Social Security and Medicare, and standing with President Trump's agenda. His campaign has also released a housing plan, available at rogersforsenate.com.

Family of Service

Rogers has emphasized his family's multi-generational tradition of public service. His son — a fourth-generation military member — is a U.S. Naval Academy graduate currently serving as a Navy officer. His wife Kristi served in Iraq as a Department of Defense liaison and worked with Customs and Border Protection.

Greater Jackson United will continue to cover the 2026 Michigan Senate race through November. Voters can learn more at rogersforsenate.com.

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Sources: rogersforsenate.com