Mike Rogers, the Republican Senate nominee in Michigan, unveiled a “Democrats for Mike Rogers” coalition in Detroit. He is courting disaffected Democrats after a tight primary.
Polling Shows Tight Race
An AARP survey indicated the contest is within the margin of error, while a Fox News poll released last week gave Rogers a four‑point edge.
Republican unity is near total, with 96% of GOP voters backing Rogers, including 99% of MAGA members.
Democratic support for El‑Sayed stands at 91%, though 98% of Democratic Socialists of America back the candidate, compared with 69% of non‑DSA Democrats and independents.
Rogers Appeals to Democrats
Rogers told voters he is not asking them to become Republicans, only to give him a chance to earn their trust.
“Our door is open to any Democrat who feels their nominee does not represent their values,” he said, referencing El‑Sayed’s past remarks and progressive policy positions.
Chelsea, a lifelong Democrat from West Bloomfield, said she voted for Obama, Hillary, Biden and Slotkin, and will now vote for Rogers because “the election calls for us to look at something bigger than our party lines.”
El‑Sayed Campaign Attacks
The El‑Sayed campaign warned that Rogers will “put Donald Trump ahead of Michigan,” accusing him of rubber‑stamping Trump’s agenda and raising gas prices.
Spokesperson Cole Wozniak said El‑Sayed is the only candidate with a coalition that can win in November and will “get money out of politics and put money in your pockets.”
El‑Sayed’s Platform and History
If elected, El‑Sayed would become the nation’s first Muslim senator. An epidemiologist, he championed Medicare for All, called for abolishing ICE, and labeled Israel’s Gaza actions “genocide.”
He earned endorsements from Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez during the primary.
Jewish Voters and Civility Concerns
Rabbi Asher Lopatin, a Jewish supporter at the Rogers event, said many Jewish voters are considering voting Republican after feeling alienated by the Democratic Party’s treatment of Israel at the recent convention, where Haley Stevens was booed.
Rogers added that intimidation of Jewish students at the University of Michigan shows “violent rhetoric” could sway the general election.
