Koch-affiliated Libre Initiative Action makes endorsements in Michigan, Connecticut

The Libre Initiative Action is rolling out endorsements for three tight congressional races on Thursday, hoping to win elections to the House and Senate for Republicans in Michigan and Connecticut.

The group, part of Charles Koch’s political network, is putting money and power behind former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.) in his Senate bid, and backing Rep. John James (R-Mich.) for reelection.

The Libre Initiative Action is also endorsing former Connecticut state Sen. George Logan (R), who is challenging Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.) in a rematch of the 2022 election.

“Rogers and James both believe in creating a more robust economy that empowers people, not Washington D.C. Americans from all backgrounds continue to face an unaffordable economy driven by big government spending and policies,” said Sandra Benitez, senior adviser at The Libre Initiative Action.

“We must break away from the failed policies and advocate for policies that foster economic growth, job creation, and opportunities for all Americans. We are confident that they will work tirelessly to ensure that all communities, including the Latino community, have the tools and resources to thrive.”

The endorsements in the key battleground state seek to sway some of Michigan’s estimated 370,000 eligible Latino voters toward GOP candidates.

According to UnidosUS, the country’s largest Latino civil rights organization, in 2022, 247,000 Latinos were registered to vote in Michigan and 177,000 voted. In 2020, of the 178,000 Latinos registered to vote, 165,000 voted.

In the state’s ultra-tight races, those Hispanic voters could make all the difference.

In 2020, Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) defeated James by 92,335 votes. James won his House seat in 2022 against Democrat Carl Marlinga by fewer than 2,000 votes.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is targeting James’ seat as part of its “Red to Blue” program, guaranteeing extra national support for Marlinga, who is challenging James.

Rogers is facing off against Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) to replace outgoing Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), who comfortably defeated James in 2018.

In Connecticut, Logan lost a close race two years ago. Though the race is rated as “likely Democratic” by Decision Desk HQ, Hayes’s margin of victory over Logan in 2022 was just 2,004 votes.