Michigan Senate Race Rattles Jewish and Muslim Voters Over Gaza
Republican Mike Rogers is targeting Jewish voters in Michigan's Senate race by casting Democrat Abdul El-Sayed as a threat to them.
- $30 million from AIPAC-affiliated groups backed Rep. Haley Stevens in the Democratic primary.
- 1.3 million people live in Oakland County, home to many Michigan Jewish voters.
- President Trump claimed El-Sayed belongs to the Muslim Brotherhood; no evidence supports this.
- Stevens endorsed El-Sayed but has not campaigned with him.
Why it matters: Rogers is trying to peel off a traditionally Democratic group after a primary that split Democrats over Israel. Oakland County has moved toward Democrats for two decades.
- Rogers agreed with a social media post calling El-Sayed a terrorist.
- El-Sayed said hurt people hurt people after the Temple Israel attack, then apologized.
How 5 sources split on this story
Where they split: Republicans say Rogers is gaining ground with Jewish voters over security concerns, while El-Sayed's supporters call his message a fear campaign built on false claims.
Left coverage, 1 sources: The left frames Rogers' campaign as rattling Jewish and Muslim voters already strained by the Gaza war, stressing the lack of evidence behind attacks on El-Sayed.
What’s next: Rogers will hold an event with Sen. Ted Cruz later in October focused on security after the Temple Israel attack.
- Former Rep. Andy Levin and other El-Sayed surrogates are hosting house parties with undecided Jewish voters.
- Will Rogers' outreach measurably shift Jewish voters in Oakland County?
- Will Republican rhetoric about El-Sayed move Arab American voters in Dearborn back toward Democrats?
