MI-SEN:: Former Michigan GOP co-chair files to challenge Rogers in U.S. Senate contest

Washington ― Bernadette Smith, the former co-chair of the Michigan Republican Party, filed paperwork this week to form a committee to run for Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat in what would be a long-shot challenge to former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, who is endorsed by President Donald Trump.

Smith of Byron Center recently resigned her post with the state party, Chairman Jim Runestad said Friday.

Smith previously served as the Michigan GOP's ethnic vice chairwoman. She did not return calls or messages for comment from The Detroit News on Wednesday or in recent days.

Rogers of White Lake Township is a former seven-term congressman who largely cleared the GOP field over the summer and won Trump's endorsement in July after another potential contender for the nomination, U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga of Zeeland, bowed out. "HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN," Trump said in endorsing Rogers.


https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2025/11/12/ex-michigan-gop-co-chair-bernadette-smith-files-to-challenge-mike-rogers-with-us-senate-bid/87236325007/