DETROIT, MI – Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers is appealing to Democrats dissatisfied with their party’s nominee in Michigan. He invites them to consider joining his coalition in the upcoming midterm elections. Rogers, a former congressman and FBI agent, is running for the Senate after a narrow loss two years prior.
On Thursday, Rogers shared his message with voters at an event in a western Detroit neighborhood, launching the “Democrats for Mike Rogers” coalition. This move targets Democrats critical of Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic Senate nominee, after a contentious primary.
“To Democrat voters who feel their nominee doesn’t represent them and their values, I’m asking you for the opportunity to earn your trust,” Rogers said, emphasizing his openness to Democratic voters uncomfortable with El-Sayed’s controversial comments and policy positions.
AARP’s latest survey shows a tight race between El-Sayed and Rogers, and a Fox News poll has Rogers leading by four points, driven by strong Republican unity. Nearly all Republicans back Rogers, while El-Sayed’s support among Democrats is slightly lower.
Rogers expressed optimism in a Fox News Digital interview, noting Democrats who never supported a Republican before might vote for him. He believes this election shows that values are significant.
Among the Democrats backing Rogers is Chelsea from West Bloomfield, Michigan. She describes herself as a lifelong Democrat but plans to vote for Rogers, citing differences in values with El-Sayed.
“The Democratic nominee we’ve been given does not share my values,” Chelsea stated. “He does not agree with a world that I want my children to grow up in.”
El-Sayed’s campaign responded by criticizing Rogers’ connections with President Trump, accusing him of prioritizing Trump’s agenda over Michigan’s needs.
El-Sayed, a former Wayne County Health Department director, could make history as the first Muslim senator if elected. His platform includes “Medicare-for-all,” supported by figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Rabbi Asher Lopatin also joined Rogers at the event, expressing concerns about El-Sayed’s politics, particularly his criticisms of Israel, which he characterized as “genocide.”
Lopatin noted a shift among Jewish voters, troubled by hostility at the state Democratic convention and the treatment of pro-Israel supporters like Rep. Haley Stevens.
Rogers reiterated concerns over increasing “violent rhetoric” in politics, based on conversations with Jewish voters fearing antisemitism on campus.
“The violent rhetoric is going to make a difference in the general election,” Rogers asserted.
After securing the nomination, El-Sayed pledged to combat antisemitism, aligning his commitment to Jewish safety with the safety of all children.
Paul Steinhauser reports on national campaigns for Fox News.