Rogers Unveils Plan to Boost Home Ownership in Michigan

Proposal includes down payment assistance, regulatory reforms, and incentives for homebuilders.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers has unveiled a policy plan aimed at addressing the housing and home ownership crisis in Michigan. The centerpiece of his plan is expanding 529 college savings plans to allow first-time homebuyers to save for down payments tax-free. Rogers also wants to lower interest rates, reduce regulatory burdens on homebuilders, and provide new incentives for home construction.

Why it matters

Home ownership is a key driver of wealth creation, but rising costs and regulatory hurdles have made it increasingly difficult for young families and first-time buyers to purchase homes. Rogers' plan seeks to remove some of these barriers and make home ownership more accessible, which could have significant economic and social impacts in Michigan.

The details

Rogers' plan includes several key components: expanding 529 plans to cover down payments and first-year property taxes, working to lower interest rates, and reducing regulations that add time and costs to new home construction. He believes these steps will help more Michiganders achieve the 'American dream' of home ownership.

  • Rogers unveiled his housing policy plan on February 10, 2026.
  • The U.S. Senate election in Michigan is scheduled for November 2026.

The players

Mike Rogers

Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Michigan, former U.S. Congressman.

Keith Ledbetter

President of Associated Builders and Contractors of Southeast Michigan.

Maria Polsinelli

Vice President of the Southeast Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

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What they’re saying

“We want to give a vehicle like this that allows people to get into their first home, and this is a powerful vehicle to do that.”

— Mike Rogers (michiganadvance.com)

“Builders, contractors, developers, skilled trades, real estate agents, investors; all are trying to meet the buying demand, but are navigating processes and regulations that waste time and add cost.”

— Maria Polsinelli, Vice President, Southeast Michigan Chamber of Commerce (michiganadvance.com)

What’s next

Rogers plans to further detail and promote his housing policy proposals as he campaigns for the U.S. Senate seat in Michigan ahead of the November 2026 election.

The takeaway

Mike Rogers' housing plan aims to make home ownership more accessible for young families and first-time buyers in Michigan by providing down payment assistance, lowering interest rates, and reducing regulatory barriers to new home construction - key steps that could help address the state's housing affordability crisis.