President Donald Trump has wielded his political influence in Michigan by backing a slate of Republicans in the 2026 midterm election who will soon test the president’s strength in the battleground state.
Trump-endorsed Republican candidates have celebrated notching the president’s support, but Democrats argue it will be a liability in the November election. Trump won Michigan twice – in 2016 and 2024 – but since entering the White House, none of his endorsed candidates have won statewide office.
Here’s a look at the president’s picks this year:
Michigan’s U.S. Senate
Trump once again endorsed former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers of White Lake in Michigan’s competitive U.S. Senate race. Rogers narrowly lost to then-U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, R-Holly, in 2024 in that year’s U.S. Senate election. He decided to run again after U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township, opted not to seek reelection. Unlike in 2024, Rogers faces no competition in the upcoming primary. Rogers will face off against the winner of a three-way Democratic primary that includes former Wayne County and Detroit health director Abdul El-Sayed, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens of Birmingham and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow of Royal Oak.
Trump moved early to announce his support for Rogers, declaring his endorsement almost a year before the upcoming Tuesday, Aug. 4 primary.
Michigan governor’s race
Trump waited longer before wading into Michigan’s open race for governor with an endorsement of U.S. Rep. John James, R-Shelby Township, just days before voters begin receiving absentee ballots. Trump backed James previously in his two unsuccessful bids for U.S. Senate and then again for his U.S. House race for Michigan’s 10th congressional district – a seat James has held since 2023.
In the GOP primary, James faces former Attorney General Mike Cox and businessman Perry Johnson. Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, announced his decision to end his campaign and back James just hours after the president endorsed the congressman.
In the Democratic primary, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson faces Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer cannot run again due to term limits, and her departure leaves a competitive race to replace her.
Michigan’s U.S. House races
Trump has endorsed every incumbent congressional Republican in Michigan running for reelection: U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman of Watersmeet, U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar of Caledonia, U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg of Tipton, U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett of Charlotte and Lisa McClain of Bruce Township. After Huizenga decided not to run for U.S. Senate – citing consultation with Trump – the president promised to endorse the congressman in a reelection bid for his U.S. House seat. Huizenga later announced his plan to run again.
Just ahead of the primary, Trump endorsed Amir Hassan for Michigan’s 8th Congressional District, a seat currently held by incumbent U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City. Hassan has a background in federal law enforcement and he faces Republicans Al Lemmo and Thomas Smith in the primary. The district is seen as competitive, but Democrats have an edge in the race, according to Cook Political Report, which analyzes electoral contests across the U.S.
Trump also intervened the race for Michigan’s open 10th Congressional District, currently held by James. Trump backed Republican Michael Bouchard, the son of Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard. In the primary, Bouchard is running against a Macomb County prosecutor Robert Lulgjuraj, Clinton Township lawyer Justin Kirk and construction manager Steffan Demetropoulos. The Democratic primary includes lawyer Eric Chung, former Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel and prosecutor Christina Hines. Republicans have an advantage in the competitive race, according to Cook Political Report.
Contact Clara Hendrickson at chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Donald Trump has endorsed these candidates in Michigan midterms
Reporting by Clara Hendrickson, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Clara Hendrickson, Detroit Free Press | USA TODAY Network
