Republican Senate Hopeful Mike Rogers Faces Backlash Over Election Lies and Extreme Stances

Photo byMichigan Democratic Party

In a turbulent week, former Congressman Mike Rogers found himself embroiled in controversy over election conspiracy theories and criticism of his hardline positions on abortion and opioids.

LANSING, MI – Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers has been accused of spreading dangerous election conspiracy theories as his campaign struggles to gain traction. Rogers, who has been trailing in the polls, appears to be resorting to baseless claims about election integrity, echoing the rhetoric that fueled false narratives in the 2020 presidential race.

In a recent appearance, Rogers and Pete Hoekstra, another top Michigan Republican, suggested that Democrats might "steal some votes" in the upcoming Senate race. This rhetoric was highlighted by Detroit News reporter Craig Mauger during an interview, noting the troubling trend of election skepticism as a significant factor influencing the campaign.

“Rogers has repeatedly cast doubt on the integrity of Michigan’s elections,” Mauger said, pointing out the broader implications of such unfounded claims on public trust in the democratic process. At a campaign event, Rogers went further, accusing Democrats of “cleaning out the federal vault trying to buy votes,” a statement that underscores the increasingly combative and factually dubious tone of his campaign.

Rogers’ Anti-Abortion Record Sparks Outrage

Rogers’ troubles don’t stop with election misinformation. His extensive anti-abortion record has drawn sharp criticism from Michigan leaders and advocacy groups. Rogers, who has voiced support for a national abortion ban, has stated that he would have voted against legalizing abortion care in Michigan, a stance that is out of sync with the majority of the state's voters who supported Prop 3 to protect reproductive rights.

State Senator Rosemary Bayer shared her personal experience with a life-saving abortion, stressing the dangers of electing someone like Rogers who “supports dangerous abortion bans.” Meanwhile, State Senator Stephanie Chang criticized Rogers for being “out of line with Michiganders” and warned that his policies would reverse decades of progress on reproductive rights.

Cassy Jones-McBryde, a reproductive justice advocate, was blunt in her assessment: “We cannot reward politicians like Mike Rogers with seats in office since they have not proven their commitment to legislating in the interest of the people.”

Opioid Crisis Tied to Rogers’ Past Advocacy

Rogers is also facing scrutiny over his role in promoting increased access to opioids, a decision that many believe contributed to the ongoing opioid crisis. Critics argue that his actions were aligned with the interests of pharmaceutical companies rather than the public good. An Oak Park resident pointedly remarked that Rogers “led the charge” for increased opioid prescriptions while cozying up to groups funded by Big Pharma.

Rogers’ Stance on Education and EVs Raises Eyebrows

Adding to his woes, Rogers recently reaffirmed his support for Betsy DeVos’ controversial plan to overhaul Michigan’s public education system. His endorsement of these policies, which critics argue would weaken public schools, has been met with fierce opposition.

Moreover, Rogers has been accused of spreading misinformation about electric vehicles (EVs), misrepresenting the impact that EVs will have on the economy. Experts have refuted his claims, indicating that producing EVs requires similar labor to that of traditional gas vehicles.

Rogers’ Campaign Tactics Come Under Fire

In an apparent bid to secure votes from independents and Democrats, Rogers was caught saying these groups are “always wrong”—advising supporters not to mention it since their votes are needed. This attempt to appeal to a broader base while simultaneously disparaging them has further fueled skepticism about his campaign strategy.

Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lavora Barnes summed up the sentiment on MSNBC, stating, “Elissa Slotkin is running for U.S. Senate against a Florida man who would ban abortion.”

As Rogers’ campaign navigates this rough patch, the stakes are high. With criticism mounting over his rhetoric and policy positions, it remains to be seen whether he can shift the narrative or if these controversies will continue to define his candidacy.

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