Meet the Republicans running for Michigan’s open US Senate seat

LANSING, Mich. (WILX/WNEM/WLUC) – Ballots are already being cast in one of the most competitive senate races in the country. Republicans are hoping to flip a senate seat held by retiring Democrat Debbie Stabenow.

Over 10,000 ballots were cast over the first weekend of early voting. The primary election is Aug. 6.

The race for the Republican Senate Nomination is down to three: Former Congressman Justin Amash, Dr. Sherry O’Donnell and former Congressman Mike Rogers.

Dr. O’Donnell and Amash took aim at the front-runner, Mike Rogers, criticizing Rogers’ record in Congress.

“They’re presenting these these bills, 4,000, 5,000 pages telling members of Congress, ‘you have one hour to read this.’ And the difference between me and Mike Rogers is that I will vote no if they put a bill on the floor like that and he’ll vote yes,” Amash explained.

Amash is from Grand Rapids. He served in the House for ten years and made national headlines in 2020 for standing up to former President Donald Trump. He says he wants to cut spending and ease political divisions.

“I won’t be the kind of senator who’s out there to make enemies with everyone; I want to bring people together. I want people across the political spectrum, whatever their background is, whatever their beliefs, I want them to know that they will be represented as well,” Amash stated.

Dr. O’Donnell has a medical practice in Berrien County and worked disaster relief at hospitals in New York during the COVID-19 pandemic. She said she has a plan to solve issues at the southern border and fix inflation, and she also wants to improve health care.

“I know how to fight the system. When insurance companies tell me the patient can’t get the MRI I ordered, I get on the phone with the insurance company and fight for the patients right to get those things. And that same level of advocacy I’ll do in the Senate,” O’Donnell said.

Rogers is a former FBI agent and served as the chair of the US House Intelligence Committee. He got a big boost early on after securing Trump’s endorsement back in March. He said he wants to restore the border, reduce crime, bring down the cost of groceries, and ensure a viable auto industry in Michigan.

“We’re going to build things in America, and we’re going to build things here in Michigan. [It’s] too important for the future of the country,” Rogers assured.

Rogers said he wants to make a difference for Michiganders.

“I don’t need the title. I’ve been the chairman of an important committee in DC. I just want to go back and help people, my family included, all over the state,” Rogers said.

The full interviews with the Republican senate candidates are below.

Justin Amash