Rogers, who has been the incumbent since he was elected in 2000, never takes an election for granted, said Sylvia Warner, spokeswoman for Rogers.

“This is the people saying they wanted to be listened to — they didn’t want to be run over,” Warner said. “They want Congress and the administration to focus on getting everyone back to work. They expect us to work together to do that.”

In a statement issued as unofficial results slated his win, Rogers said his focus will continue to be on getting the government out of the way of job creation.

“Michigan voters gave voice to their hope for the future today, sending a strong message that they want their elected leaders focused on jobs and a strong economy,” he said.

Despite his loss in the election, Enderle said he walked into the race with his integrity and maintains it walking out.

“I’m kind of disappointed that the voter turnout wasn’t as high as it should have been, but the people made a decision this time around and they’ll have to deal with it,” he said.

Warner said Rogers has provided a strong and effective voice for the voters in his district, which includes East Lansing, throughout his previous five terms.

“(Rogers) still has been actively engaged in meeting with people to make sure that he knows what people are thinking and what their needs are,” Warner said.

Linda Lee Tarver, chairwoman of the Ingham County Republican Party, said she was not surprised by Rogers’ win and was expecting it.

“There was no competition with Enderle,” Tarver said. “He went on a personal attack of (Rogers) instead of talking about the issues.”

Tarver said the people of the eighth district recognize Rogers is working to improve the state’s economy and confront the issues at hand.

“When people are losing their homes and their jobs, they don’t want to hear about personal attacks,” she said.

Enderle, who started his grassroots campaign after initially running as a write-in candidate during the August primaries, said he is not done but does not have specifics for the future.

“We don’t know what tomorrow’s going to bring,” he said. “There’s a new day starting.”