LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – In a pivotal moment for Michigan’s Senate race, former Congressman Mike Rogers (R) won the coveted endorsement of the Michigan Farm Bureau’s AgriPac, a significant nod of approval in his tight contest with Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin (D). This endorsement, a major shift from the bureau’s past support for outgoing Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow, signals a blow to Slotkin and could tip the scales as November’s election approaches.

Both Rogers and Slotkin had vied for the Farm Bureau’s favor at an August forum, where they laid out their plans to support Michigan’s agriculture industry – a vital part of the state’s economy. However, it was Rogers who ultimately won over the farmers, marking the first time AgriPac backed a Republican candidate for Senate since 2006.

Rogers pitches a farmer-friendly agenda.

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During the forum, Rogers struck a chord with Michigan’s farmers by calling out the economic struggles caused by rising costs and government regulations. Rogers emphasized the need to support the next generation of farmers, and said, “Michigan farmers are struggling mightily under the current administration with rising input costs and burdensome government regulations, and now for the first time in American history we are importing more food than we export.”

Rogers vowed to bring common-sense policies to Washington that would reduce red tape, lower costs, and ensure the passage of a Farm Bill that supports Michigan’s agricultural industry.

“I’m honored and grateful to have earned the endorsement of AgriPac and the farmers across Michigan who feed our nation and power Michigan’s economy,” Rogers said after securing AgriPac’s support. He added, “As Michigan’s Senator, our farmers know I’ll always have their back. I’ll fight to lower costs, slash needless regulations, and pass the Farm Bill so farmers can thrive and leave a lasting legacy for the next generation to succeed and feed the world.”

Slotkin’s “farm” claims backfire.

On the other hand, Slotkin’s efforts to connect with the agriculture community didn’t go as smoothly. The Congresswoman, who currently serves on the House Agriculture Committee, touted her family’s farm at the forum, stating, “We grow soy and corn on about 300 acres.” However, critics quickly pointed out that public records show Slotkin’s property is just 10 acres with no active farming.

The revelation that Slotkin has been receiving a farming tax credit despite not actually farming has raised eyebrows and is seen as a key factor in her losing the Farm Bureau’s endorsement. Republican strategists jumped on the opportunity, accusing Slotkin of misrepresenting her agricultural ties to curry favor with farmers.

Maggie Abboud, a spokeswoman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, didn’t hold back saying, “It’s no surprise Elissa Slotkin lost this key endorsement because she was caught lying about being a farmer.”

A political blow to the Democrats

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The endorsement represents more than just a win for Rogers – it’s a major blow to Slotkin, who had been relying on the AgriPac’s support of outgoing Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow, a longtime ally of Michigan’s agricultural community, to transition to her own endorsement.

The importance of agriculture to Michigan.

Michigan’s agriculture industry is one of the top three economic sectors in the state, contributing over $100 billion annually and employing almost a million people (22% of Michigan’s employment) according to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. With this endorsement, Rogers gains a significant advantage in a race that has been too close to call.

Jason Roe, a Republican strategist, called the endorsement “pretty damn significant,” noting that agriculture is a powerful voting bloc in Michigan. “Slotkin serves on the House Agriculture Committee and her patron, Debbie Stabenow, is chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. I imagine they are both pretty p—ed about that decision.”

Stabenow, who had secured AgriPac’s endorsement in her last two election cycles, was reportedly frustrated with the Farm Bureau’s decision to back her Republican opponent telling Fox News Digital, “That was very disappointing.”

Farm Bureau stands its ground.

Despite criticism from some Democratic leaders, including Sen. Gary Peters (D-Michigan), the Michigan Farm Bureau stood by its decision, with AgriPac Chair Mike Fusilier urging members to get the word out. “Talk to your neighbors, talk to your friends about getting out the vote for Friends of Agriculture,” said Fusilier. “And put signs out on your property – that’s one thing Farm Bureau members have most other organizations don’t is land frontage on roads.”

Fusilier noted that while the Farm Bureau had previously supported Stabenow, this year’s endorsement of Rogers aligns with their belief that the former congressman is better suited to tackle the challenges facing Michigan farmers.

Looking ahead to November.

As November approaches, with overseas and military ballots already sent out and absentee and early voting set to begin soon in the state, all eyes will be on the two senate candidates as they continue to spar over crucial issues impacting Michigan’s future, such as the economy, agriculture, and government regulation.

Most polling data shows a close rate with no clear front runner in the state’s senate race. Also important in this race are the two upcoming debates that are scheduled. Those debates will occur on October 8th and 14th according to the Detroit Free Press.