Democrat Elissa Slotkin surged ahead overnight in Michigan’s U.S. Senate race, closing the gap and pulling ahead of Republican Mike Rogers by a narrow margin. As of 9 a.m. Wednesday, with 98% of votes counted, Slotkin holds 48.6% of the vote to Rogers’ 48.4%, a lead of just over 12,000 votes. The race, hard-fought and deeply divided, has been one of the most intense and closely watched contests in the country.
Earlier in the morning, Rogers had a lead with 51% to Slotkin’s 46%, but with final ballots trickling in, Slotkin erased that deficit. Green Party candidate Douglas Marsh took 0.9% of the vote, while Libertarian Joseph Solis-Mullen captured around 1%. Both Slotkin and Rogers bring national security credentials, making this a high-stakes race for the seat vacated by U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow.
Slotkin addressed supporters early Wednesday at MotorCity Casino in Detroit, emphasizing the hard work yet to come. “We always knew that this was going to be a tight race, and that is exactly what we are seeing unfold in front of us,” Slotkin told a crowd energized but aware of the night’s challenges. She added, “I’ve had three tough elections, and we’ll be here till the wee hours of the night. My message to you all is to get some rest, hunker down. We’ve got a long way to go.”
Senator Stabenow, who has held her seat for years, took to the stage, voicing her support for Slotkin and reflecting on the race’s significance. Dressed in a sparkly gold blazer, she reminded supporters of the ongoing responsibility to care for Michigan’s future. “We still have to care about our democracy, our state, and we still have to work together to move forward,” Stabenow said, emphasizing the importance of unity and determination.
Throughout this campaign, both candidates have sparred over a range of critical issues—from reproductive rights and immigration to the economy and Social Security. Slotkin has centered her campaign on protecting abortion access, expanding domestic manufacturing, and supporting the middle class. During her final days on the campaign trail, she traveled across Michigan in an enormous navy blue RV, rallying support from Michiganders of all backgrounds. Slotkin also addressed gun violence, calling out the urgency of the issue, especially in communities affected by school shootings. “We cannot elect people who turn away from the No. 1 killer of children in America,” she stated at an event in East Lansing.
It’s no secret that Detroit, home to a politically active community, is playing a major role in Michigan’s turnout. Detroit voters showed up in significant numbers, determined to make their voices heard. For many, this election represents an opportunity to select leaders who understand the urgent needs of their communities and are ready to advocate for long-overdue changes. Slotkin’s current lead reflects her appeal to Michigan’s middle-class families, veterans, and small businesses, who have been at the center of her policy priorities. Her hands-on approach and commitment to addressing practical, everyday issues have resonated widely with Michiganders who want leaders focused on real solutions.
Slotkin’s commitment to reproductive rights and women’s autonomy has earned her support from Michigan’s women voters, and she often references what she calls Michigan’s “secret women’s vote.” She describes this as a quiet movement among women who may not speak openly about their vote but are casting ballots with their families’ futures in mind. Slotkin has shared anecdotes about seeing Post-It notes in women’s bathrooms, where women encourage each other to “vote like your daughter’s life is on the line.”
On the other side, Rogers has focused on economic issues, citing concerns about high grocery prices, the potential job impact of electric vehicle mandates, and the devastation of fentanyl overdoses. His campaign took him on a diner tour across Michigan, where he emphasized his military background and family history of service, resonating with voters who feel connected to his conservative values. Rogers’ supporters rallied behind his message of restoring America’s economy and his critiques of the Biden administration’s policies. He described the race as “the most competitive U.S. Senate seat in the country within the last few weeks,” attributing momentum to grassroots efforts and key endorsements, including one from the Michigan Farm Bureau.
Slotkin’s background brings unique experience to the table. A third-term U.S. Representative with roots in Michigan’s 7th District, she has also served with the CIA and Pentagon, making her a strong voice on national security issues. Yet, her campaign’s focus remains firmly on Michigan. She is vocal about the need for accessible healthcare, economic support for working families, and investment in Michigan’s local businesses. This mix of expertise and local commitment has made her a compelling candidate for many voters who prioritize both stability and change.
In an interview with the Michigan Chronicle, Slotkin outlined her top priorities for improving the lives of Black Michiganders, especially in Detroit. “What I’ve heard from parents, teachers, business owners, and community and faith leaders is that people have been looking for a real plan to break down housing and health disparities, economic inequality, and increase access to capital,” Slotkin said. She highlighted the issue of affordable housing, noting that homeownership should be within reach for all Michiganders. Her push for equitable economic policies reflects the community’s call for leaders who will tackle the persistent disparities that have affected Detroit and other Michigan communities.
Slotkin also pointed to the importance of investing in Michigan’s young people. “In every conversation I’ve had, our kids come up,” she noted, emphasizing the need for programs that expand opportunities in education, support childcare, and reduce the burden on families. Her stance on educational funding resonates with many Detroit families who want a fairer distribution of resources for their schools. Slotkin’s focus on early childhood development and the Child Tax Credit reflects her understanding of the need for family-focused policies that directly benefit Michigan’s working-class households.
Healthcare has been another central issue in Slotkin’s campaign. She has long supported protections for the Affordable Care Act, working to address healthcare disparities and reduce the high costs of prescription medications. For many Black communities in Michigan, access to affordable healthcare is not just a policy issue but a daily necessity. Slotkin’s stance on healthcare reform, and her consistent work to protect affordable coverage, speaks directly to families in Detroit and beyond who are tired of being overlooked in this critical area.
Economic empowerment, especially for Detroit’s Black entrepreneurs, is another priority Slotkin has pledged to tackle. She emphasized the need to direct federal resources to underserved communities and ensure Black-owned businesses have fair access to capital and support. “As we work to secure more federal funding, we have to make sure our Black business community has the tools it needs to thrive,” Slotkin explained. By addressing barriers that limit economic growth in Black communities, she aims to create lasting opportunities for prosperity across Detroit.
Gun violence prevention has become one of the defining issues in Slotkin’s platform. Representing a district that has endured two mass school shootings—at Michigan State University and Oxford High School—Slotkin is familiar with the painful impact of gun violence on communities. She has championed legislation supporting safe firearm storage, universal background checks, red flag laws, and an assault weapons ban. Slotkin acknowledges that gun violence does not stop at school doors but affects neighborhoods, churches, and families. Her commitment to reducing this violence speaks to Detroit residents who have been demanding stronger safety measures in their communities.
Exit polling shows Slotkin leading among Black voters with an overwhelming 88% support to Rogers’ 11%, a margin that reflects the community’s strong backing of her policies on healthcare, economic equality, and reproductive rights. Women voters also leaned heavily toward Slotkin, while Rogers gained support among rural and suburban voters and those without college degrees. Immigration and the economy drove many Rogers supporters, while Slotkin’s supporters cited democracy and abortion rights as their top concerns.
As Michigan’s results unfold, this Senate race exemplifies the divide on issues affecting Michiganders across urban and rural lines. Slotkin has championed policies focused on local issues like manufacturing and public health, emphasizing her commitment to the state’s unique needs. Meanwhile, Rogers has drawn in voters with his focus on conservative values and criticisms of current policies.
With every vote counted, Michigan has spoken loud and clear: Elissa Slotkin is the people’s choice for the U.S. Senate. This win is a powerful reflection of the determination and resilience of Michigan’s residents, from Detroit to the Upper Peninsula, who showed up to shape their future. This wasn’t just a political race—it was a call for change, and Michigan answered with a resounding “yes” for progress, unity, and unwavering commitment to the issues that matter most.
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