Mike Rogers, a former Republican representative from Michigan, announced on Wednesday that he would be running to replace outgoing Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow.

Rogers is one of several Republican candidates who are trying to flip this seat from blue to red. He could face Democratic Rep. Elissa slotkin in the general elections, since she’s the frontrunner for her party in its crowded primary. In his video announcement, the former congressman praised his military service, his work as a FBI special agent, and his role as chairman of the House Select Committee on Intelligence. He also criticized the Biden Administration for its open southern border policy, “a broken justice system,” inflation, and “social engineering.”

“I quit politics to build cybersecurity companies which can stop foreign threats such as China. I thought that I had put politics behind me but, like you, I am aware of something wrong. Rogers stated in the video that America is headed in the wrong directions under Biden. “We can do much better. That’s why I am running for United States Senate – to get the government out of our way, unleash American Innovation and bring common sense to Washington.

According to Ballotpedia, Rogers was a state legislator before winning his House seat in the year 2000. The former congressman remained in his House seat up until 2014, when he decided not to run for re-election.

“Mike Rogers is a man who has dedicated his life to the people of Michigan, and to holding communist China responsible. Mike Rogers is the kind of candidate that can do well with suburban Michiganders, and will be a solid part of any ticket in Michigan. Steve Daines, Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (the Senate GOP’s official campaign arm), said that he was pleased to see Mike step up and run for U.S. Senate.

A survey conducted by Emerson College in early August indicates that Rogers, with 12% of the vote, is currently the frontrunner among the GOP candidates. Former GOP Rep. Peter Meijer, with 9% support, is also considering a run. Meijer, who launched an exploratory group for the seat in last week’s election, will be able to raise money before a formal run.

According to an Emerson College survey, Slotkin is a strong 34% among Democrats and will beat many Republican candidates, such as Rogers and Meijer, by 7 and 6 points respectively. According to Ballotpedia, six Democrats are competing for the nomination of their party to keep Stabenow’s seat blue. She was first elected as a senator in 2000.

“America is amazing. It’s full of promises, freedom, and the ability to do what you want. Mike Rogers. Rogers stated in the video that Michigan’s lifestyle is worth defending.