Michigan Senate candidate Mike Rogers has turned his attention to the state’s Democrats, appealing for their votes just days after his opponent Abdul El-Sayed secured the Democratic nomination. Rogers specifically reached out to voters who may feel that El-Sayed does not represent their values, telling them there is still a place for them in his campaign.
Sitting on a couch with his wife by his side, Rogers stated in a video shared on X on Friday that he is working to earn the support of Democrats who may be dissatisfied with El-Sayed as their party’s nominee. “If you’re among the majority of Democratic voters who woke up on Wednesday feeling hopeless because the person who won does not represent your values, well, just know there is still hope,” Rogers stated.
The Republican contrasted his campaign with El-Sayed’s, claiming his opponent’s bid is “filled with anger, divisiveness, calls for violence, and views that are out of touch” with Michiganders.
“Michigan deserves a senator who is ready to sit with you, hear from you, and represent you,” Rogers said. “To parents across Michigan who want an education system that sets up their kids for success, you have a home with us. To grandparents across Michigan who are heartbroken from watching their kids and grandkids leave the state, you have a home with us.”
He continued, “To young people who are looking for real solutions to solve our housing affordability crisis, you have a home with us. To working families who don’t want higher taxes and lower paychecks, well, you have a home with us.”
Rogers’ Appeal Gets a Mixed Reception
Reactions from netizens in the comments were mixed. Rogers’ attempt to win over Democratic voters failed to move some people, as several pointed to his close association with President Donald Trump.
“Dude you are a billionaire puppet who will serve Trump and Trump only and by extension Israel,” one X user wrote. Another claimed, “He wants to represent the president. It’s all a scam. Don’t fall for it.” A third argued, “If you actually were serious about reaching out to Democrats you would be running as far away from Trump as possible. But instead you tout his endorsement everywhere you go.”
Others were generally critical of Rogers and the Republican Party. “Republicans do nothing but disappoint. Sorry, but I don’t believe you people anymore,” one comment read. Someone else said, “Keep trying to poach voters. The people of Michigan don’t want Trump or you!” Another added, “You haven’t done anything for MI. You are a complete and total seller [sic] out.”
However, Rogers also received support from people who identified themselves as longtime Democrats. “As a Lifelong Democrat, me and my entire family who have voted blue for decades are going to vote Republican for the first time for Mike Rogers,” one commenter said. Another chimed in, “I’ve been a Democrat for my entire life, but far-left El-Sayed is too radical for Michigan. My entire family and I will be voting Republican for the first time in November.”
Hours before Rogers’ videotaped message went live, El-Sayed had taken several shots at his Republican opponent during a press conference.
El-Sayed accused Rogers of doing favors for corporations and described his politics, vision, and perspective as “old.” He also saved some of his harshest criticism for Rogers’ relationship with Trump. He claimed the Republican had gone to Florida to “lick every single boot Donald Trump owns” to secure his endorsement.
