Michigan Senate Candidate Mike Rogers Calls for End to U.S.–Canada Tariff War

On October 7, 2026, Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers aired a 30-second TV ad urging an immediate end to the trade dispute with Canada. Filmed in a local bar with a bottle of Labatt Blue, Rogers said, “Here in Michigan, we know that Canada is not our enemy. We need to end this tariff war — now.” The ad makes no direct reference to President Donald Trump, marking Rogers’s most outspoken break with the president’s tariff agenda.

Washington ExaminerDetroit Free PressUsNews and World ReportMichigan Senate candidate calls for end to Canada tariff war CNNMichigan Republican Mike Rogers Calls For End To Canada Tariff War Detroit NewsJust the NewsThe Hill

President Trump imposed 50 percent tariffs on roughly $20 billion of Canadian imports earlier this year, prompting matching duties from Canada. The dispute has hit Michigan’s auto and agricultural supply chains, prompting criticism from state business leaders who warn prolonged measures could jeopardize jobs.

Michigan Senate candidate calls for end to Canada tariff war

• $20 billion in Canadian goods were hit by the tariffs.

The Hill

• Michigan imports $43.5 billion from Canada annually; cars, trucks and parts account for roughly 48 percent.

The Hill

• Michigan exports $21.2 billion to Canada, with $10.2 billion in automobiles, trucks and parts.

The Hill

Rogers framed the ad as a pragmatic shift, arguing his relationship with Trump could be leveraged to negotiate a resolution. Democratic opponent Abdul El-Sayed accused Rogers of “flip-flopping” and linked the tariff war to cost-of-living pressures on Michigan families.

UsNews and World Report

El-Sayed, a former public-health official, called the tariff war a “price-inflating” policy and suggested Rogers’s shift is driven by slipping poll numbers. Senator Susan Collins of Maine, whose state also borders Canada, joined moderate Republicans in calling for an end to the dispute.

UsNews and World Report

Polling on the race varies: some outlets describe Rogers as “neck-and-neck” with El-Sayed, while others note a modest Democratic lead. The precise impact of the tariffs on Michigan consumer prices remains unquantified.

UsNews and World Report

• “Here in Michigan, we know that Canada is not our enemy. We need to end this tariff war — now,” — Mike Rogers

CNN

• “You cheerled this tariff war from the beginning and you’re flip-flopping now because your poll numbers are in free fall,” — Abdul El-Sayed

UsNews and World Report

• “We must get back to the table, stop acting like children and negotiate a reciprocal, fair and mutually beneficial arrangement,” — Rep. John James

The Hill