In the upcoming Michigan Senate race, Democratic candidate Rep. Elissa Slotkin is facing intense scrutiny from Republicans, who have launched two targeted ads against her. Slotkin, a three-term congresswoman, will compete against Republican Mike Rogers in the November election. The ads focus on her stance on immigration, aiming to connect her with the Biden-Harris administration’s policies on border control.
One of the ads features Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy, who presents illegal immigration from a law-and-order perspective. Murphy, who previously hosted former President Donald Trump for a speech on crime and immigration, criticizes both Slotkin and Vice President Kamala Harris. He claims that their policies have led to open borders and have negatively impacted Michigan, including increased crime and misuse of taxpayer funds.
Michigan Senate Race Heats Up with Republicans Targeting Rep. Elissa Slotkin Over Immigration Policies
The second ad highlights the economic impact of illegal immigration. It features Vanessa Holden, a mother of four from Webberville, who argues that rising inflation and higher living costs are exacerbated by the funds allocated to illegal immigrants, a direct consequence of Slotkin’s support for the American Rescue Plan in March 2021. Holden’s perspective is used to accuse Slotkin of prioritizing illegal immigrants over Michigan residents struggling with economic challenges.
Both ads reference Slotkin’s vote for the American Rescue Plan, which was passed along party lines. Republicans criticize Slotkin for this vote, suggesting it demonstrates her alignment with liberal policies that they argue are detrimental to Michigan families. Maggie Abboud, a spokeswoman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, accuses Slotkin of neglecting the needs of Michiganders in favor of aiding illegal immigrants.
As the race between Slotkin and Rogers heats up, the competition is becoming increasingly fierce. With Slotkin currently leading in polls and holding a fundraising edge, the ads are part of a broader $100 million Senate Republican effort to flip the chamber. Despite Slotkin’s advantages, the Cook Political Report now considers the race a toss-up, indicating a shift in the election dynamics.
