Michigan Republican Senate Nominee Mike Rogers Calls for End to Tariff War With Canada in New Ad

Mike Rogers, the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate in Michigan, is breaking with President Donald Trump over tariffs on Canada in a new television advertisement, according to CNN.

In the 30-second spot, filmed in a bar, Rogers opens with references to Canadian beer and Detroit hockey before arguing that Canada is “not our enemy” and that the tariff fight should end. He says lowering prices would be his top job as senator and pledges to work with both parties, according to CNN. The ad does not mention Trump by name, but CNN reported it is a clear reference to the administration’s decision to impose 50% tariffs on about $20 billion in Canadian goods imported into the United States.

Latest Republican break in a competitive race

Rogers, a former congressman, is the latest Republican in a competitive contest to distance himself from the president on a major issue, according to CNN. Last month he said the war with Iran should end quickly, a position CNN noted is shared by several other Republican candidates for governor or the Senate. His language on tariffs has also sharpened: in August he described tariffs as necessary but not a one-size-fits-all tool, while the new ad is his most direct criticism so far, according to CNN.

Rogers faces Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, a former public health official, for the seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters. The race will help decide control of the Senate, where Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take the majority, according to CNN. El-Sayed has long opposed both the Canada tariffs and the Iran war, arguing they are pushing prices higher for Americans.

Reporting based on coverage by CNN.