Both candidates are intensifying their efforts in the final three weeks of the campaign, focusing on voter mobilization in a closely-watched race that could determine control of the U.S. Senate.
In Michigan, Republican nominee Mike Rogers has closed the gap in the U.S. Senate race against Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), making it a competitive contest that could impact the balance of power in Congress.
Rogers has significantly narrowed the lead in statewide polls, trailing Slotkin by just 4 percentage points compared to a 6-point difference a month ago. If successful, Rogers would be the first Republican in three decades to claim a Senate seat in Michigan.
With Democrats holding a slim majority in the Senate, a victory for the GOP in Michigan could shift control of the chamber to the Republican Party after four years of Democratic control.
Both candidates are aware that the outcome of the election may hinge on their ground game efforts in the final weeks leading up to Election Day.
The Ground Game
Rogers, a former FBI special agent and state senator, is challenging Slotkin, a former CIA analyst and national security expert, for the open Senate seat left vacant by the retirement of Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.).
Slotkin has outspent Rogers by a significant margin, with campaign expenditures totaling $15.3 million compared to Rogers’ $2.9 million. However, outside spending by third-party groups has been substantial, with $42.9 million supporting Slotkin and $40.3 million backing Rogers.
Rogers attributes his momentum in the polls to the extensive voter outreach efforts by his campaign, including 2.7 million voter contacts through door-to-door canvassing and phone calls.
Slotkin, on the other hand, is emphasizing the importance of engaging in political conversations and mobilizing voters ahead of the election. Both candidates are rallying their supporters and focusing on key issues such as the economy, auto manufacturing, and national security.
As the campaign enters its final stretch, the race remains highly competitive, with both sides acknowledging the critical role of voter turnout in determining the outcome.
Dave, a 71-year-old resident of Flint who preferred not to provide his last name, couldn’t recall the name of the Democratic candidate but was familiar with Rogers.
Based on party affiliation, Dave stated that he would vote for Rogers.
Tonna Denny, a 61-year-old from Swartz Creek who identified as a Democrat, mentioned to The Epoch Times that she had not yet developed an opinion on the Senate race.
“I’ve been following it with my mom, but I haven’t taken any significant steps to make a decision,” she explained.
Balance of Power
According to the Cook Political Report, a nonpartisan election rating company, Michigan’s U.S. Senate race is among several that could shift in this election.
Currently, Democrats, along with the four independents who caucus with them, hold a 51–49 seat majority.
The West Virginia seat left vacant by Sen. Joe Manchin’s resignation (D-W.Va.) is now classified as “Solid Republican.”
Sen. Jon Tester’s (D-Mont.) race is considered “Lean Republican,” while three other races, including Michigan’s, are labeled as toss-ups.
The Michigan race remains uncertain, as per Kollman.
“It’s difficult to gauge what the polls are indicating,” he noted. “Interpreting them for this race and the presidential race in Michigan is challenging.”
Absentee voting commenced on Sept. 26.
In Michigan, absentee ballots can be requested for any reason.
Early in-person voting in Michigan starts on Oct. 26 and concludes on Nov. 3, with Election Day set for Nov. 5.
The Epoch Times reached out for comments on the race from the Slotkin campaign and the Michigan Democratic Party, but no responses were received at the time of publication.
