Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers is reaching out to disaffected Democrats in Michigan, stating, "You have a home with us." At a campaign event in Detroit, Rogers launched his "Democrats for Mike Rogers" coalition, targeting voters dissatisfied with Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed following a contentious primary. Rogers, a former congressman and FBI agent, is seeking to flip a Democrat-held Senate seat in the upcoming midterm elections.
A recent AARP survey indicates a close race between Rogers and El-Sayed. A Fox News poll shows Rogers with a slight four-point lead, bolstered by strong support from Republicans. While El-Sayed has the backing of 91% of Democrats, support drops among non-DSA Democrats and independents.
Rogers expressed optimism about attracting voters who have traditionally supported Democrats, emphasizing that values matter in this election. One voter, Chelsea from West Bloomfield, shared her decision to support Rogers, citing a disconnect with El-Sayed's values.
The El-Sayed campaign responded by highlighting Rogers' connections to former President Donald Trump and criticizing his alignment with Trump's policies. El-Sayed, an epidemiologist and former gubernatorial candidate, aims to become the first Muslim senator in U.S. history and has a platform focused on progressive issues, including Medicare-for-all.
Rogers also received support from Rabbi Asher Lopatin, who noted that some Jewish voters are considering voting for Rogers due to concerns about El-Sayed's positions. The campaign reflects a broader sentiment among some voters who feel alienated by the Democratic Party's direction and are willing to cross party lines in the upcoming election.