**Top Republican and Trump Running Mate Contender Makes First Senate Endorsement**
In a significant political move, Republican Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, who is under consideration as former President Donald Trump’s running mate, has made his first Senate endorsement of the election cycle. Scott has thrown his support behind former Representative Mike Rogers of Michigan in the GOP Senate primary, a key battleground state.
Scott’s endorsement of Rogers, a former House Intelligence Committee chair, was announced on Wednesday. Rogers is currently the front-runner in the August Republican primary, vying to succeed longtime Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow, who is not seeking re-election this year. The Michigan Senate seat is one of several that Republicans are targeting to flip from blue to red in the upcoming elections as they aim to regain the Senate majority lost in the 2020 cycle.
“Mike Rogers’ commitment to service has always been about putting the American people first. When Mike and I served together, he was a leader who delivered results and fought to expand opportunities for working families and those pursuing their American Dream,” Scott said in a statement. “I’m proud to endorse him to be Michigan’s next U.S. Senator because I know Mike will bring his servant leadership to the U.S. Senate.”
Rogers, an Army veteran and former FBI special agent before his tenure in Congress, has garnered significant support from the Republican establishment. He has the backing of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), the campaign arm of the Senate GOP, and received an endorsement from Trump in March, solidifying his position as the party’s presumptive presidential nominee.
“Senator Scott has been a tremendous champion for conservative values in the U.S. Senate and I’m honored to receive his endorsement,” Rogers said in a statement. “Together in the Senate, we will work with President Trump to help Michigan families, lower the cost of gas and groceries, and secure the southern border.”
Rogers has also received endorsements from seven other Republican senators, former Secretary of State and CIA Director Mike Pompeo, and former Detroit police chief James Craig, who ended his own Senate bid earlier this year to support Rogers.
Despite the strong backing, Rogers faces competition in the primary. Wealthy businessman and investor Sandy Pensler, who is making his second run for office, has been spending heavily on ads targeting Rogers. Pensler has the endorsement of former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. Additionally, former Representative Justin Amash, who as an independent House member voted to impeach Trump in his first impeachment trial in 2019, is also in the race.
The Michigan primary is scheduled for August 6, and the outcome will be crucial for the GOP’s efforts to regain control of the Senate.
Senator Tim Scott, the only Black Republican in the Senate, ran unsuccessfully for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination but remains a highly influential figure within the party. Known for his formidable fundraising abilities, Scott has strong ties with many leading figures in the GOP donor class. His fundraising prowess was evident in his 2022 Senate re-election campaign, which served as a foundation for his 2024 national run.
In addition to raising funds for his own campaigns, Scott has been actively supporting fellow Republicans. In the 2022 cycle, he raised nearly $1 million for other candidates and donated more than $1 million to down-ballot races. Two outside groups aligned with Scott spent $13 million on top Senate and House races, while also transferring $5 million to the top super PAC supporting Senate Republicans. A super PAC allied with Scott recently announced it would spend $14 million to help Republicans grow support among Black voters.
Scott’s endorsement of Rogers is a strategic move that underscores his influence and commitment to shaping the future of the Republican Party. As the GOP looks to regain the Senate majority, endorsements from prominent figures like Scott will play a crucial role in rallying support and resources for key races.
The endorsement also highlights Scott’s potential as a running mate for Trump. As the former president prepares to announce his vice-presidential pick, Scott’s active involvement in key Senate races and his ability to mobilize support within the party make him a strong contender. Trump’s decision on his running mate is expected to be unveiled at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in July, although an announcement could come sooner.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Scott’s endorsement of Rogers and his potential role as Trump’s running mate will be closely watched by political analysts and voters alike. The outcome of the Michigan Senate race and the broader efforts to regain the Senate majority will have significant implications for the future direction of the Republican Party and its legislative agenda.
Source: Fox News, BBC News
