Republicans may just avoid a bitter primary in the pivotal Michigan Senate race, with GOP Rep. Bill Huizenga announcing Wednesday that he has decided not to run.
“After careful consideration with Natalie and my family, as well as in consultation with President Trump, I have decided against a bid for U.S. Senate in Michigan,” Huizenga said in posted on X. “I am proud of our effort and am grateful for the outpouring of support and encouragement I received from Michiganders across our great state. I look forward to announcing my future plans later this year.”
The Detroit News reported that Huizenga and Trump spoke last week. Trump has not yet endorsed a candidate in the Michigan Senate race, although he is expected to back former GOP Rep. Mike Rogers soon, according to two GOP sources.
Huizenga’s decision likely clears the Republican primary field for Rogers, who has already racked up endorsements from Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Tim Scott, R-S.C. Rogers lost a close Senate race last year to Democrat Elissa Slotkin as Trump won Michigan by 1 percentage point.
“I’m grateful for all the unwavering support and successes so far. Our team is continuing to charge full steam ahead to win this seat and put Michigan First,” Rogers said in a statement following Huizenga’s announcement.
Alex Latcham, the executive director of the Thune-aligned super PAC Senate Leadership Fund, said in a statement, “There’s no doubt that Mike Rogers is poised to be Michigan’s next U.S. Senator, and Senate Leadership Fund will support his campaign every step of the way. Leader Thune and Chairman Scott supported Mike Rogers from the beginning and now is the time to unite and let Democrats fight over their First Place Loser.”
The Michigan Senate race is an open contest next year, with Democratic Sen. Gary Peters retiring. The state is a top Republican target next year as the party looks to expand its 53-47 Senate majority.
Democrats have a crowded primary on their side of the aisle, with Rep. Haley Stevens, State Sen. Mallory McMorrow, former Wayne County Health Director Abdul El-Sayed and former state House Speaker Joe Tate competing for the nomination.
Huizenga’s announcement comes after fellow GOP Rep. Mike Lawler announced he would not run for governor in New York after Trump publicly encouraged Lawler to run for re-election to the House. GOP Rep. Zach Nunn had also been weighing a run for governor in Iowa, but announced he would run instead for the House after speaking with Trump, who posted on Truth Social that Nunn is “a team player.”
