Michigan Newspaper Stops Seeking Comments from GOP Senate Candidate Mike Rogers

The Detroit Metro Times announced Wednesday that it will no longer solicit comments from the campaign of Republican Michigan Senate candidate Mike Rogers, citing the campaign's "repeated lies and bigoted attacks" against his Democratic opponent, Abdul El-Sayed.

Investigative reporter Steve Neavling stated on X, formerly Twitter, that this was the first time in the newspaper's history it had taken such a step. Neavling accused Rogers' campaign of repeatedly targeting El-Sayed's Muslim faith. He also alleged that Rogers lied about El-Sayed's stance on the Muslim Brotherhood, claiming El-Sayed has not disavowed the organization. Neavling pointed to El-Sayed's earlier statement at a town hall where he affirmed "Sure, yeah, absolutely" when asked to denounce the group. The report also referenced Rogers' assertion that El-Sayed believes "America deserved 9/11," a sentiment attributed by Rogers to El-Sayed's supporter Hasan Piker.

Furthermore, Neavling's report questioned Rogers' counterterrorism résumé, specifically his role in the operation targeting Osama bin Laden. When the Metro Times sought comment on these claims for an October 8 report, Rogers' campaign reportedly declined to answer specific questions, instead defending his record and reiterating an allegation that El-Sayed received funds from terrorist organizations.

The Metro Times article detailed instances where Rogers allegedly misrepresented El-Sayed's positions on public safety, women's health, and the auto industry. The report noted that El-Sayed, a physician and former Detroit health director, has a record that includes opposing increased police funding, supporting cuts to women's health services, and voting against measures to support U.S. manufacturers.

Regarding energy policy, Neavling's report highlighted a discrepancy in Rogers' current stance and past statements. Rogers has criticized El-Sayed for supporting clean energy goals, suggesting El-Sayed wants to ban gas-powered vehicles. However, the report found that El-Sayed had not directly advocated for such a ban and, during a primary debate, opposed an electric vehicle mandate while acknowledging the need for developing EV infrastructure. Neavling also cited a 2008 message from Rogers praising clean energy vehicles and envisioning a future powered by them.

El-Sayed's own past statements have also drawn scrutiny. During the Democratic Senate primary in July, he faced questions about referring to himself as a "physician" despite not holding a license to practice medicine. In the wake of the current campaign, El-Sayed denied any familial ties to the Muslim Brotherhood during an interview. However, social media posts surfaced from his half-sister alleging that family members, including their mother, had connections to the group.

Neither the Rogers campaign nor the Detroit Metro Times immediately responded to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.