Pensler drops US Senate bid, endorses Rogers at Trump rally
Grosse Pointe businessman Sandy Pensler abruptly Saturday evening dropped his campaign for the Republican nomination for Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat, saying the party needs to be unified and endorsing former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, who had been his rival for the bid.
Pensler had spent months attacking Rogers, who he criticized widely as being insufficiently conservative despite Rogers having received the endorsement of former President Donald Trump.
Pensler made his decision public at a Trump rally in Grand Rapids, appearing on stage with the former president and Rogers. "President Trump endorsed Mike Rogers. Tonight, so am I," Pensler said. "Mike’s going to make a heck of a senator."
Rogers, who is considered the GOP frontrunner, still faces former U.S. Rep. Justin Amash, R-Cascade Charter Township, and west Michigan physician Sherry O'Donnell in the Aug. 6 Republican primary. Democrats that same day will decide the nomination between U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin of Holly, who is considered that party's frontrunner, and Detroit actor Hill Harper.
More: Watch live: Donald Trump, JD Vance rally in Grand Rapids
Pensler said he ran to help the country enact Trump’s agenda and continuing a contentious primary wouldn’t help. Rogers thanked him for his support and promised Trump he’ll have a partner in the U.S. Senate.
“We’re bringing the party together. That was beautiful to watch,” Trump said as Rogers and Pensler left the stage.
Pensler has spent some $4 million on his campaign, almost all of it in funds he loaned it himself.
Contact Todd Spangler: [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter@tsspangler.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Sandy Pensler drops US Senate bid, endorses Mike Rogers at Trump rally
