Michigan Senate candidate Mike Rogers links high grocery costs to Iran conflict, proposes diesel export ban

Former U.S. Representative Mike Rogers, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in Michigan with strong backing from former President Donald Trump, recently outlined a series of proposals aimed at alleviating the financial burdens on American families. In a social media broadcast, Rogers highlighted the escalating cost of essential goods, stressing the urgent need to address inflation and proposing specific measures related to energy policy and international affairs.

The candidate’s remarks focused on the immediate concerns of Michigan residents facing high everyday expenses, particularly groceries. He explicitly called for a swift resolution to the ongoing conflict with Iran, asserting that its conclusion would lead to a significant drop in energy prices. Recognizing that families could not endure a prolonged wait for such an outcome, Rogers also advocated for a temporary embargo on American diesel exports.

Candidate’s economic proposals amidst voter concerns

Rogers articulated a clear connection between the geopolitical situation and domestic economic hardship, stating that the “war with Iran needs to end, and end quickly.” He posited that a rapid cessation of hostilities would directly result in a substantial decrease in energy costs, thereby offering relief to consumers. However, acknowledging the immediate struggles, he presented an interim solution for energy prices.

His proposal for a temporary embargo on American diesel exports is rooted in its critical role across the supply chain. Diesel fuels the transportation network that delivers groceries to stores and powers the agricultural machinery essential for food production. An increase in diesel prices, Rogers argued, directly translates to higher costs for growing, shipping, stocking, and ultimately, purchasing food items. Therefore, the embargo would aim to lower these operational costs until the international conflict is resolved.

This export restriction builds on previous suggestions from Rogers, who has also publicly supported suspending both state and federal gas taxes. Such a measure, he noted, could potentially save consumers approximately 70 cents per gallon at the pump, providing more immediate financial relief to households grappling with rising expenses.

The complex landscape of energy taxation and costs

Understanding the impact of Rogers’ proposals requires a look at the current taxation structure on fuels. Michigan’s motor fuel tax, applicable to both gasoline and diesel, stands at 52.4 cents per gallon. Federal taxes further add to the cost, comprising an excise tax of 18.3 cents per gallon on gasoline and 24.3 cents per gallon on diesel fuel. Additionally, a Leaking Underground Storage Tank fee of 0.1 cents per gallon is applied to both fuel types.

While Rogers’ focus in his recent statement was primarily on a diesel export embargo, rather than a direct suspension of the federal diesel tax, his broader emphasis on reducing energy costs remains consistent. The national average price for diesel, according to AAA, reached a record high of $6.5276 as of September 22, underscoring the significant financial pressure on industries reliant on this fuel, and by extension, on consumers.

• Michigan’s motor fuel tax (gas and diesel): 52.4 cents per gallon.
• Federal excise tax on gasoline: 18.3 cents per gallon.
• Federal excise tax on diesel fuel: 24.3 cents per gallon.
• Federal Leaking Underground Storage Tank fee (both fuels): 0.1 cents per gallon.

Political backlash and rival accusations

Rogers’ statements quickly drew criticism from his political adversaries. Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic candidate for the Michigan U.S. Senate seat, swiftly responded on social media, accusing Rogers of hypocrisy. El-Sayed’s post directly challenged Rogers, labeling him a “liar, coward, fraud” and alleging that he had supported the Iran war throughout his campaign, a stark contrast to his recent call for its rapid conclusion.

Similarly, former Representative Justin Amash, who competed against Rogers in the 2024 Republican Michigan U.S. Senate primary, voiced skepticism. Amash, who finished a distant second, suggested that Rogers’ sudden pivot on the Iran conflict indicated a weakening position in the race. He commented that when an “inveterate war hawk” like Rogers suddenly demands an end to the war, it signals that “he’s losing—and losing badly.” These reactions highlight the contentious nature of foreign policy and economic issues in the electoral landscape.

Election outcome and broader implications

Despite the high-profile endorsement from former President Donald Trump, which was reiterated in a social media video proclaiming Rogers would “never let you down,” the political journey for Mike Rogers in the 2024 U.S. Senate race concluded with a defeat. In what was described as a close contest, Rogers ultimately lost the general election to then-Representative Elissa Slotkin.

The campaign’s focus on kitchen table issues, such as grocery prices and energy costs, alongside complex foreign policy stances, reflects the multifaceted concerns of the electorate. While Rogers’ proposals aimed to address immediate economic pressures and link them to global events, the eventual election result underscores the intricate dynamics of voter sentiment and candidate platforms in a pivotal state like Michigan.