Mike Rogers, supported by Trump, wins Michigan Senate race for Republicans.

Former Representative Mike Rogers emerged victorious in the Republican primary for Senate in Michigan on Tuesday, setting the stage for a crucial showdown in the November election for the state’s open Senate seat.

Rogers, who previously served in the House from 2001 to 2015, held the distinguished position of chairman of the Intelligence Committee during his tenure in Congress.

In a closely contested primary race, Rogers faced off against former Representative Justin Amash, who is known for aligning himself with more libertarian-leaning politicians. Amash, who served in Congress from 2011 to 2021, left the Republican Party in 2019, citing concerns with the two-party system and openly criticizing former President Trump— a stance that sets him apart from many elected Republicans.

Amash, a Palestinian-American like many constituents in Michigan, has been vocal in his opposition to U.S. funding for Israel. The initially crowded Republican primary field also included former Representative Peter Meijer, who eventually suspended his campaign earlier this year.

Businessman Sandy Pensler, another contender in the primary race, recently suspended his campaign and threw his support behind front-runner Rogers at a rally attended by former President Trump, who endorsed Rogers in the primary back in March.

The outcome of the Republican primary sets the stage for a high-stakes battle in the November general election, where Rogers will face off against the winner of the Democratic primary. The Senate race in Michigan is considered pivotal, as it will play a significant role in determining whether Republicans can maintain their Senate majority and by how many seats.

The Cook Political Report, a non-partisan political handicapper, has rated the Michigan Senate race as a “Toss Up,” placing it alongside other critical races in Montana, Ohio, and Nevada.