Republican Mike Rogers has gained an unexpected supporter in his campaign for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat: former Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin.
Manchin, who left the Democrat Party and registered as an independent during his final year in the Senate, expressed support for Rogers during a Monday appearance on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.”
Although Manchin repeatedly declined to call his remarks a formal endorsement, he made his preference in the race clear.
“No, I’ve not endorsed anybody,” Manchin said after co-host Joe Kernen pressed him on the subject.
When Kernen asked whether Manchin could accept a victory by Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed, the former West Virginia senator answered, “No.”
“I do support Mike Rogers,” Manchin added. “I think Mike Rogers is a good person. I think he’ll do a great job.”
Rogers Welcomes the Support
Rogers, a former Michigan congressman and FBI agent, quickly embraced Manchin’s comments.
“I’m thankful to have the support of a true patriot, former Sen. @JoeManchinWV,” Rogers wrote on X.
Rogers is already backed by President Donald Trump, whose “complete and total” endorsement has been highlighted by the Rogers campaign.
Manchin served in the Senate from 2010 until 2025. During his final months in office, he left the Democratic Party and became an independent. He has since promoted candidates he views as willing to work across party lines.
On CNBC, Manchin described Rogers, Maine Sen. Susan Collins and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski as “independent, free-thinking Republicans, not completely crazy right or completely crazy left.”
One Major Point of Disagreement
Manchin’s support does not mean he agrees with Rogers on every issue.
He said Rogers “has to” reject Trump’s trade policies to win Michigan, according to CNN.
Rogers has taken a more case-by-case position. During a Fox News interview, he said he would oppose a tariff that works against the United States but support one that benefits the country.
A Closely Contested Race
Rogers and El-Sayed are competing to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters. The contest is the only Democratic-held Senate seat currently listed as a toss-up by the Cook Political Report.
Recent surveys have offered differing snapshots of the race. A late-August poll conducted for The Detroit News and WDIV-TV found Rogers ahead 45.8% to 44.4%, a difference within the survey’s margin of error. Another late-August survey from EPIC-MRA placed El-Sayed four points ahead, also within that poll’s margin of error.
Michigan’s constitutionally required early-voting period runs from Oct. 24 through Nov. 1, according to the Michigan Department of State. Election Day is Nov. 3.
