Slotkin Suffers Setback in Michigan Senate Race as Farm Bureau Supports GOP Candidate

Rep. Elissa Slotkin's bid for the Michigan Senate seat faces a significant blow as the powerful Michigan Farm Bureau endorses her Republican rival, former Rep. Mike Rogers, in a move that could sway the tight race.

Rep. Elissa Slotkin's aspirations for the Michigan Senate seat have encountered a major setback this week with the Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) endorsing her Republican opponent, former Rep. Mike Rogers. This endorsement marks a departure from MFB's recent pattern of supporting Democratic candidates for the Senate seat.

Since 2006, MFB has consistently backed Democratic candidates for the Senate, including outgoing Sen. Debbie Stabenow in her re-election campaigns. However, the group's decision to endorse Rogers sends shockwaves through the political landscape, potentially upending the already close race.

Slotkin Suffers Setback in Michigan Senate Race as Farm Bureau Supports GOP Candidate

Rogers expressed his gratitude for the coveted AgriPac endorsement, emphasizing his understanding of the challenges faced by Michigan farmers under the current administration. He pledged to advocate for lower costs, reduced regulations, and the passage of the Farm Bill to support the industry.

The MFB's influence in Michigan is substantial, as agriculture ranks among the state's top three industries. Farming contributes over $100 billion annually to Michigan's economy and employs nearly a million people, making it a crucial sector for the state's prosperity.

Slotkin Suffers Setback in Michigan Senate Race as Farm Bureau Supports GOP Candidate

Michigan Republican strategist Jason Roe described the endorsement as "pretty damn significant," suggesting that it would unsettle both Slotkin and her mentor, Sen. Stabenow. The endorsement highlights the importance of the rural vote in Michigan, and it may influence undecided voters.

Stabenow, a longtime Democratic ally of Slotkin, expressed disappointment over the endorsement, while Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Gary Peters dismissed the significance of the decision by claiming that MFB generally endorses Republicans and that Stabenow's chairmanship of the Senate Agriculture Committee was the only exception.

Slotkin Suffers Setback in Michigan Senate Race as Farm Bureau Supports GOP Candidate

However, Rogers disputed Peters' assessment, pointing out that the group had supported 14 Democrats in the state this cycle. He emphasized that the AgriPac endorsement reflected a deliberate decision based on their assessment of the candidates and their policies.

The race between Slotkin and Rogers has been tightening in recent months, with polls showing Rogers gaining ground. A recent Marist poll indicated that Slotkin holds a six-percentage-point lead, but analysts view the race as highly competitive.

Slotkin Suffers Setback in Michigan Senate Race as Farm Bureau Supports GOP Candidate

Rogers emphasized the importance of the AgriPac endorsement in potentially tipping the scales in his favor. He believes that the endorsement will resonate with farmers, independent voters, and those who are tired of negative campaign ads.

Despite Slotkin's current lead in polls, the MFB endorsement could have a significant impact on the outcome of the race. It is a powerful signal of support that could sway undecided voters and boost Rogers' chances of victory on Election Day.

Slotkin Suffers Setback in Michigan Senate Race as Farm Bureau Supports GOP Candidate