Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers has extended an invitation to Michigan Democrats, suggesting they can find a "home" with his campaign following the primary victory of progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed. Rogers stated in a video posted to X on Friday that Democratic voters who feel their values are not represented by El-Sayed's candidacy should know "there is still hope."
El-Sayed narrowly defeated Rep. Haley Stevens in a closely watched Democratic primary, setting up a general election contest against Rogers, who ran unopposed. Rogers is positioning his campaign as an option for the hundreds of thousands of Democrats who supported Stevens but may be hesitant to vote for El-Sayed.
"If you're among the majority of Democratic voters that woke up on Wednesday feeling, well, hopeless, because the person who won does not represent your values, well, just know, there is still hope," Rogers said in the video. He added, "Michigan deserves a senator who is ready to sit with you, hear from you, and represent you."
Rogers directly addressed several voter groups, including parents concerned about education, grandparents seeing younger generations leave the state, and young people facing housing affordability challenges. He also spoke to working families concerned about taxes and paychecks, asserting they "have a home with us."
The Republican nominee accused El-Sayed's campaign of promoting "anger, divisiveness, calls for violence" and views he described as out of step with Michigan voters. "And to the vast majority of people across Michigan who do not want to throw their support behind a campaign filled with anger, divisiveness, calls for violence, and the views that are out of touch with your values, well, you have a home with us," Rogers stated.
If Rogers wins in November, Republicans could flip the seat held by retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters and bolster their Senate majority. "Over the next 90 days, I'm going to work hard to earn your trust, to earn your support, and earn your vote," Rogers said. "We have a state to save, Michigan. Let's get to work."
Rogers' outreach has drawn praise from some conservatives and commentators. Some social media posts highlighted his appeal to Democrats and contrasted his stance with El-Sayed's policy positions.
El-Sayed, an epidemiologist and former Wayne County health director who previously ran for governor in 2018, has advocated for Medicare for All and the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He has also been a vocal critic of Israel's actions in Gaza, referring to them as "genocide." If elected, El-Sayed would become the nation's first Muslim senator.
Rogers framed the upcoming election as a broader fight for the "very soul of our nation," extending beyond traditional partisan divides.