The Battle Over Mike Rogers’ Residency in Michigan Senate Race
As the race for the U.S. Senate in Michigan heats up, Republican candidate Mike Rogers finds himself under scrutiny regarding his ties to Florida. Opponents have raised questions about his residency, suggesting that Rogers might be more of a “Florida man” than a true Michigander due to his property in Cape Coral, Florida.
Rogers, a Livingston County native who previously served in the U.S. House, is facing off against former Detroit Health Director Abdul El-Sayed in the upcoming election. The issue of his residency came to light after El-Sayed accused Rogers of abandoning Michigan after his congressional term ended.
While Rogers currently resides in White Lake Township, questions about his Florida property have resurfaced from his previous election campaigns. Critics claim that Rogers only returned to Michigan to run for the Senate, implying he lacks a genuine connection to the state.
Examining the Claims
Democrats have been vocal in criticizing Rogers for his move to Florida following his retirement from Congress. They argue that his decision to return to Michigan coincided with his Senate candidacy, suggesting opportunism rather than a strong commitment to the state.
El-Sayed has been particularly vocal, stating, “If you want to be a Florida man, go be a Florida man. But in November, we are going to send you back to Florida.” The controversy has also extended to social media exchanges between the candidates regarding Rogers’ Florida ties.
Uncovering the Facts
Rogers, who served in Congress from 2001 to 2014, sold his home in Howell in 2014 and purchased properties in Maryland and Virginia. In 2022, he and his wife acquired a home in Cape Coral, Florida, indicating it as their permanent residence in 2023 to receive a property tax exemption.
Despite owning property in Florida, Rogers’ campaign asserts that he currently resides in White Lake Township, Oakland County. Property records confirm that Rogers and his wife have a principal residence exemption for their home, meeting Michigan’s residency criteria.
During his previous campaign in 2024, Rogers faced questions about his Michigan residency, which he attributed to ongoing construction at his White Lake Township property. Despite the controversy, Rogers maintains that he is committed to serving Michigan in the Senate if elected.
As the contentious Senate race continues, the debate over Mike Rogers’ residency serves as a focal point for both supporters and critics. While the issue raises concerns about his ties to Michigan, Rogers remains steadfast in his campaign to represent the state in the U.S. Senate.
In a recent development, it has come to light that former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, who previously resided in Genoa Township near Brighton, Michigan, has shifted his voter registration from Florida to Michigan. Rogers, who was living in a home owned by his sister-in-law, was registered to vote in Florida as of April 2024 but has since canceled that registration. Currently, his voter registration is active for his residence in White Lake Township, Michigan.
Rogers, who served in the U.S. House before relocating to Florida in 2022, listed his Florida home as his primary residence until 2023. Despite this history, there are no concerns regarding his eligibility to run for office or his current residency status. The decision on whether his time spent in Florida impacts his candidacy ultimately lies with the voters.
This development sheds light on the intricacies of voter registration and residency requirements for political candidates. It underscores the importance of transparency and accuracy in such matters, especially as individuals transition between states for personal or professional reasons. As the election approaches, voters will have the opportunity to assess Rogers’ background and make an informed decision at the polls.
