GOP super PAC commits $45M to Michigan U.S. Senate race

By Elyse Apel
The Center Square

A Republican super PAC announced a significant investment in Michigan’s open U.S. Senate race, underscoring the state’s status as a key battleground in the 2026 election cycle.

The Senate Leadership Fund said this week it is committing $45 million to back former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers.

On Election Day 2026, Michigan voters will elect one member to the U.S. Senate on Election Day 2026. The primary is scheduled for Aug. 4, with a filing deadline of April 21.

The seat is currently held by U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, who announced in January 2025 he will not seek reelection. Peters, a Democrat, said at the time that after decades in public office, he was ready to step aside and “turn over the reins.”

The election for the open seat is expected to draw national attention. Michigan remains one of the most closely divided states politically, and is often seen as a bellwether for election outcomes nationally.

In 2024, the state’s U.S. Senate race was decided by less than half a percentage point, with U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin narrowly defeating Rogers.

On the Republican side, the party leadership and funding is rallying around Rogers, who is seeking a return to Washington after previously serving in the U.S. House.

Democrat candidates include former gubernatorial candidate Abdul El-Sayed, state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, and U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens.

In announcing the investment, the Senate Leadership Fund said its $45 million commitment is part of a broader $342 million nationwide strategy targeting eight competitive Senate races. The group said the funding will support advertising and voter outreach efforts, including television, radio, digital platforms, and direct voter contact.

The outcome of Michigan’s Senate race will play a role in determining which party controls the 120th Congress. Of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate, 33 are up for regular election in 2026, along with two special elections. Democrats currently hold 13 of the seats on the ballot, while Republicans hold 22.

According to 270toWin, the most-recent polls show Stevens leading the Democrat primary. In a general election showdown between Rogers and Stevens, polling from January shows the Democrat candidate winning by 2.5%.

The Senate Leadership Fund expressed optimism about Rogers’ chances, pointing to his 2024 performance, when he came within roughly 19,000 votes of winning the seat, and arguing that Michigan represents a top pickup opportunity for Republicans.

“Senate Leadership Fund’s historic investment is a testament to the strength of Mike Rogers and our commitment to flipping Michigan red in November,” said SLF Executive Director Alex Latcham. “Mike is a trusted leader who will fight for Michigan’s working families and auto industry, and we are confident he will be the next United States Senator from Michigan.”