Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers has launched a coalition of Democrats who he says are looking for an alternative to the Democratic nominee in Michigan's closely contested Senate race. Rogers, a former congressman and FBI agent, unveiled the "Democrats for Mike Rogers" coalition during a campaign event in Detroit, aiming to attract voters disillusioned with Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed.
Rogers stated that his campaign is open to Democrats who feel their party's nominee does not align with their values, particularly in light of El-Sayed's past controversial comments and progressive policy positions. "To Democrat voters who feel their nominee doesn't represent them and their values, all hope is not lost. I'm not asking you to be a Republican. I'm asking you for the opportunity to earn your trust. .. our door is open," Rogers said.
Recent polling indicates a tight race between Rogers and El-Sayed. An AARP survey showed the candidates within the margin of error, while a Fox News poll conducted in early August found Rogers holding a narrow four-point lead. The Fox News poll indicated strong Republican party unity behind Rogers, with 96% of Republicans expressing support. El-Sayed's support among Democrats was slightly lower at 91%, but support among non-DSA Democrats and independents dipped to 69%.
Rogers expressed optimism about winning over voters who have historically supported Democrats. "Democrats who have never voted for a Republican in their life, they're going to vote for me," he stated. "We take encouragement in that. It's inspiring. It's going to show that…values do matter in this election."
One voter who identified herself as Chelsea from West Bloomfield, a lifelong Democrat who voted for Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, and Elissa Slotkin, announced her support for Rogers. She cited El-Sayed's platform as not aligning with her vision for her children's future.
The El-Sayed campaign criticized Rogers' ties to former President Donald Trump, accusing Rogers of prioritizing Trump over Michigan. "Mike Rogers will put Donald Trump ahead of Michigan every single time. Just like he carried water for Trump’s dangerous election lies, he’ll rubber-stamp Trump’s reckless agenda—driving up gas prices and sending your tax dollars to fight foreign wars," stated El-Sayed campaign spokesperson Cole Wozniak.
El-Sayed, an epidemiologist and former Wayne County Health Department director, could become the nation's first Muslim senator if elected. He has advocated for Medicare for All, called for abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and has been a vocal critic of Israel's actions in Gaza. During his primary campaign, he characterized Israel's actions as "genocide" against Palestinians.
Rabbi Asher Lopatin, who joined Rogers at the campaign event, voiced concerns about El-Sayed's policy positions, particularly regarding Israel. While acknowledging reservations about the Trump administration and the Supreme Court, Lopatin emphasized the importance of preventing El-Sayed from entering the Senate. He noted hearing from Jewish voters who typically vote Democrat but plan to support Rogers.
Concerns about antisemitism and the treatment of Israel supporters within the Democratic party were also highlighted. Rabbi Lopatin referenced an incident at a state Democratic Party convention where a strong Israel supporter, Rep. Haley Stevens, was reportedly booed. Rogers also mentioned hearing from Jewish students at the University of Michigan who felt unsafe displaying symbols of their faith.
In response to concerns from Jewish voters, El-Sayed stated two weeks prior to the event, "My commitment to Jewish safety is the same as my commitment to the safety of my own kids. We have a responsibility to take on antisemitism in all of its forms, wherever we see it."