Capitol News

As the 2026 Senate race in Michigan approaches, Republican candidate Mike Rogers is facing criticism for his comments and policy positions related to rising costs for families. Rogers has supported tariffs implemented during the Trump administration, arguing that they are “worth the financial strife being put on the American people.” At a recent campaign event, he was recorded making light of concerns about higher prices, reportedly mocking those who worry about increased costs.

A video posted by @gandernewsroom on TikTok highlighted Rogers’ reaction to price increases under Trump’s tariffs. In audio obtained by Heartland Signal, Rogers justified the tariffs by saying they help bring manufacturing jobs back from overseas, despite acknowledging the financial impact on Americans. He was quoted as saying: “And when the Democrats start getting at us, oh my gosh, coffee went up. You know, horror,” while defending his stance on tariffs in public appearances and calling them a “masterful” decision and an “absolute win.”

Rogers’ position has drawn strong responses from Michigan Democratic Party officials. Joey Hannum, spokesperson for the party, said: “Mike Rogers is a carpet-bagging multi-millionaire who’s focused on cutting taxes for himself instead of lowering costs for Michiganders. Rogers’ comments clearly show he’s more connected to his fellow Florida mansion-dwellers than he is to working families in Michigan.”

Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel also criticized Rogers’ approach: “Mike Rogers’ reckless tariff policies just cost Detroit more than 300 manufacturing jobs and a $50 million investment that was supposed to bring production back from China. While Mike Rogers is out on the campaign trail mocking families worried about higher costs, his failed policies are killing opportunities for Michigan workers to rebuild the state’s manufacturing base.”

The debate over tariffs has become central in Michigan’s Senate race as reports indicate that since new tariffs were implemented in April, more than 42,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost nationwide. The Gander reported that Detroit recently lost over 300 manufacturing jobs and a $50 million factory deal due to these policies.

In addition to supporting tariffs, Rogers has backed previous GOP tax legislation and Medicaid cuts. Critics argue these moves contribute to higher living expenses across essentials such as electricity, gas, and groceries.

Perry, a Michigan resident cited by MIRS News Service, commented: “Mike Rogers’ cost-hike agenda is a direct attack on families like mine. I can’t even imagine how much worse this will get because of the Medicaid cuts that Mike Rogers supports. While costs keep increasing, I’m terrified about what this means for my family’s financial security.”

Hertel further addressed remarks made by Rogers in an interview with Politico regarding economic uncertainty under tariff policies: “[the] shoe is going to pinch every once in a while,” which Hertel described as showing “callous indifference to the real pain Michiganders are experiencing.” U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell noted that increased expenses from tariffs could reduce profit sharing for UAW workers.

The ongoing debate reflects broader concerns among voters about economic policy decisions and their effects on households across Michigan.