Electric Vehicles Spark Controversy in Pivotal Michigan Senate Race

The Michigan Senate race has turned into a battleground over electric vehicles (EVs), with Republican Mike Rogers attacking Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin over her stance on the Biden administration’s EV policies. Slotkin, while supportive of EV investments, insists she opposes any mandate forcing Americans to drive them.

At a glance:

  • Rogers has made EV policies a central issue, accusing Slotkin of supporting job-destroying EV mandates.
  • Slotkin has defended herself, emphasizing she wants EVs made in Michigan, not China, and opposes forcing Americans to buy them.
  • The Michigan race could determine Senate control, with both candidates running to replace retiring Sen. Debbie Stabenow.

Republican Mike Rogers has zeroed in on electric vehicle mandates as a way to paint his Democratic opponent, Elissa Slotkin, as out of touch with Michigan’s auto industry. Rogers claims that Slotkin’s support for EV policies aligns her with Biden’s regulations, which aim to increase electric vehicle production. Rogers argues that these policies are detrimental to Michigan’s auto workers and will make the U.S. more dependent on China.

Slotkin has responded by releasing an ad clarifying her position, stating that while she supports EV manufacturing in Michigan, she does not back any mandate forcing Americans to drive electric cars. She emphasized the importance of keeping the auto industry competitive with China, recalling the lessons learned when foreign automakers overtook U.S. manufacturers in the past.

Rogers, however, has tied Slotkin to a failed attempt to repeal Biden’s EV policies and accused her of supporting mandates that could hurt Michigan’s workforce. His campaign has continued to press the issue, hoping to win over voters concerned about job security in the auto industry.

As both candidates position themselves ahead of Election Day, the future of electric vehicles—and their impact on Michigan’s economy—remains a key issue that could swing the race.