Trump Endorses Rogers For U.S. Senate, Urges Huizenga To Seek Re-Election

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 07/24/2025) President Donald Trump on Thursday endorsed former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers for Michigan's open U.S. Senate next year, a day after U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Zeeland) opted against his own run.

Huizenga hinted in his announcement yesterday that Trump's advice played a role in his decision not to run for the U.S. Senate. Thursday evening, after endorsing Rogers, Trump called Huizenga a “Tremendous Champion” and a “Highly Effective Representative" who would have “my Complete and Total Endorsement” if he were to run again.

Huizenga said he would announce his future plans later this year. Democrats believe the 4th District is fertile ground for an upset, regardless of whether Huizenga runs or not.

Trump's first post came at 7:56 p.m. and read that “From the U.S. Army to Congress, Mike (Rogers) has served our nation with distinction, and will bring that same fighting spirit to the U.S. Senate. As your next Senator, Mike will work tirelessly to grow our economy, cut taxes and regulations, promote MADE IN THE U.S.A.,” Trump wrote. “Mike Rogers has my Complete and Total Endorsement – HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!”

The move comes as Trump and Republicans attempt to button up their U.S. House and Senate nominees as they approach what is expected to be a tough mid-term. Rogers was the Republicans' nominee in 2024, losing to now-U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) in a hotly contested seat by 19,006 votes out of 5.58 million cast.

Rogers also has the support of the National Republican Senatorial Committee leadership and U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), making it difficult for a Republican challenger to get into the race unless they can bring their own money to the table. Historically, Republicans have struggled to win the U.S. Senate seat, having lost every election since 1994 and only one in 50 years.

“(The President) knows that we have what it takes to win this seat and deliver real results for hard-working families,” Rogers said. "For 32 years, Michigan’s left-wing leaders have failed families and failed our state. It’s time for a voice in the Senate that represents real Michigan values. Together, President Trump and I will unleash a great revival in the state of Michigan — one that helps families get back up on their feet, strengthens our schools, reduces violent crime, and sparks a renaissance of manufacturing. We’re going to Make America–and Michigan–Great Again. Let’s get to work!”

Rogers described Michigan's Senate race as the “number one race in the country and the top pickup opportunity for Senate Republicans in 2026.” The Republicans have a 53-47 majority in the U.S. Senate if you include the two independents who caucus with the Democrats as Democrats.

Ahead of Thursday’s announcement, state Sen. Jonathan Lindsey (R-Coldwater) has been assessing a possible run for the U.S. Senate. MIRS learned that Axiom Strategies, a national Republican consulting firm, had been courting him to challenge Rogers, seeing him as a viable candidate who could win over the voters who backed Trump in 2024, but not Rogers.

On the other hand, Lindsey could serve two more terms in the state Senate without needing to spend half as much money as a U.S. Senate bid would expect. However, because of Lindsey's reputation as one of Lansing's most conservative lawmakers, it is unclear how he could grow in Senate leadership, as the chamber's Republican caucus will be majorly new senators after 2026.

For one Republican consultant in Michigan, Greg Manz, Lindsey is still a worthwhile challenger.

“Now that Congressman (Bill Huizenga (R-Zeeland)) has opted against a U.S. Senate campaign, any keen political observer would see this as an opening for State Senator Lindsey – he is the full package,” Manz said to MIRS. “Yale grad. Green Beret. Constitutional Conservative.”