Republican Candidate Falsely Claims Union Snub

UAW proves it invited Mike Rogers to key event, despite his claims

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Pro-Trump Michigan Senate candidate Mike Rogers claimed that the United Auto Workers (UAW) union snubbed him for one of their key events, but the union proved otherwise by providing the invitation letter they sent to Rogers' campaign on December 19, 2025. This comes as Rogers has faced other controversies, including accusations that he secretly lives in Florida rather than Michigan and backs Trump's threats to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

Why it matters

This story highlights the importance of fact-checking political claims, especially from high-profile candidates. It also sheds light on the role of powerful unions like the UAW in shaping political discourse and holding candidates accountable in key swing states like Michigan.

The details

According to the report, Rogers' campaign claimed the UAW never contacted them about the event, but the union provided evidence that they had sent an invitation letter to Rogers' team on December 19, 2025. The UAW says Rogers' campaign chose not to respond. This contradicts Rogers' public statements that the union had snubbed him.

  • The UAW sent an invitation letter to Mike Rogers' campaign on December 19, 2025.
  • Rogers told the Detroit News this week that the UAW never had any conversations with his team about the event.

The players

Mike Rogers

A pro-Trump Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in Michigan, who has faced multiple controversies including accusations that he secretly lives in Florida rather than Michigan.

United Auto Workers (UAW)

One of the most important labor unions in Michigan, which hosted a key event that Rogers claimed to have been snubbed from, despite the union's evidence proving otherwise.

Melissa Nann Burke

The Detroit News Washington bureau chief who reported on the UAW's invitation to Rogers.

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What they’re saying

“The UAW invited Mike Rogers the same day we invited everyone else: December 19, 2025. His campaign chose not respond.”

— UAW (UAW's official Twitter account)

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of political candidates being truthful and transparent, and the role of unions and the media in holding them accountable. It also highlights the contentious nature of the Michigan Senate race, where high-profile controversies could sway voter sentiment.