Former Rep. Mike Rogers, a Republican candidate for the Michigan Senate seat he narrowly lost in 2024, stated that the Democratic Party's ideological shift to the left, influenced by progressive figures such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, presents a significant opportunity for Republicans in the upcoming November elections.
"The crazy train has come to Michigan, and AOC is the engineer, and I think Bernie Sanders is shoveling the coal in. It’s crazy," Rogers told The Post in an interview, referring to the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. He suggested that this lurch to the left should be a cause for concern among Michiganders.
Rogers' remarks come days before a closely watched Democratic primary in Michigan. The contest features Rep. Haley Stevens, considered the establishment favorite, and progressive public health expert Abul El-Sayed, who has garnered endorsements from Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders. The winner of this primary will face Rogers, who is running unopposed in the Republican primary.
Recent polling indicates El-Sayed has gained momentum in the Democratic race. An Emerson College survey released Thursday showed him leading Stevens 54% to 39%. A previous Michigan Education Association poll projected Rogers defeating El-Sayed by 10 percentage points in a hypothetical general election, while trailing Stevens by only one point.
Rogers, who represented Michigan in the House of Representatives from 2001 to 2015 and chaired the House Intelligence Committee, is campaigning on issues such as childhood reading and bolstering the state's defense industrial base. He highlighted his background, stating, "I’m the only guy here that’s actually worked in a factory. I had to work my way through school with no silver spoon in my mouth."
National Republicans view Michigan as a key pickup opportunity. Outside groups have reportedly committed to spending $45 million in advertising in the state during September and October.
The Democratic primary has seen increasing acrimony. Stevens has labeled El-Sayed a "celebrity candidate," while El-Sayed faced scrutiny over his financial disclosures, which included rental property in Dubai valued up to $250,000. Sen. John Fetterman has also criticized El-Sayed, referencing El-Sayed's past remarks about Israel's actions in Gaza.
Rogers previously lost to Sen. Elizabeth Slotkin (D-Mich.) by approximately 20,000 votes in 2024. He is seeking a comeback in a year when Democrats aim to regain control of Congress.