Detroit City Wire

The Detroit Regional Chamber PAC announced on Friday that it would not endorse a candidate for the U.S. Senate, as its board could not reach a consensus.

This decision came shortly after former Republican Governor Rick Snyder endorsed former U.S. Representative Mike Rogers for the open seat.

In a statement explaining the decision, Detroit Regional Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Sandy K. Baruah said both candidates were interviewed in recent weeks, but chamber leadership was unable to reach the two-thirds consensus required for an endorsement between Rogers and U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly).

“Unlike some campaigns where voters are confronted with only unsatisfactory options, the race between Elissa Slotkin and Mike Rogers represents something rare – two exceptionally strong candidates who would serve Michigan well,” Baruah said. “While their individual campaigns will likely deny it, these two public servants share core similarities that matter much to the chamber and the business community at large. … Both have clearly demonstrated that they are in the race for the right reasons, not because they need the job.”

Baruah highlighted their national security backgrounds and noted that both have been friendly to business and have worked across party lines at times.

“Slotkin or Rogers? Either way, Michigan wins,” Baruah concluded.

Friday’s announcement marked another instance where Slotkin did not receive an endorsement from the Detroit Regional Chamber. The group endorsed U.S. Representative Mike Bishop (R-Rochester) over Slotkin in 2018 when she later defeated Bishop. However, Slotkin received endorsements from the group as an incumbent in 2020 and 2022.

The Detroit Regional Chamber previously endorsed U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Township) during his initial run for U.S. Senate in 2014 and again in 2020. They also endorsed Stabenow in 2018, 2012, and 2006.

Snyder expressed his support for Rogers in a statement, emphasizing his belief that Rogers will represent Michigan residents effectively if elected.

“I’ve always believed that Michigan’s best days still lie ahead, but we need strong leadership to guide our state into the future, and Mike Rogers is our proven candidate,” Snyder said. “Mike has dedicated his life to serving Michigan and with him as our senator, I know he’ll work hard for our agriculture community, he’ll grow our economy, lower costs for families, and put Michigan workers first.”

Rogers thanked Snyder for his support and praised his work as governor.

“Governor Snyder helped lead Michigan’s renaissance, placing the state on a path of fiscal responsibility and prosperity with hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs, and I’m proud to have earned his endorsement,” Rogers said. “My campaign has always been about helping Michigan families who are living paycheck to paycheck, lowering costs, and protecting Michigan jobs, and as Michigan’s senator I’ll get the jobs done.”