Michigan Senate Race Tightens as Voter Concerns Over Muslim Immigration Rise
A new poll shows Democrat Abdul El-Sayed ahead of Republican Mike Rogers, but many voters say his ties to Muslim figures hurt his support.
A recent TIPP Insights poll commissioned by the League of American Workers surveyed 1,528 registered Michigan voters, finding Democrat Abdul El-Sayed ahead of Republican Mike Rogers by four points, 43% to 39%, with a 2.6% margin of error. The same poll revealed that 64% of respondents would be less inclined to support El-Sayed after learning he campaigned with Hasan Piker, a commentator who claimed America deserved the 9/11 attacks; nearly half of Democrats (47%) reported reduced enthusiasm.
Dissatisfaction runs high among Democrats and independents, with 29% expressing they are not satisfied with the Democratic nominee, a figure that climbs to 37% among senior voters. Seniors also show stronger opposition to Muslim immigration, with 36% saying it makes Michigan worse off versus only 3% for Christian immigration. The data suggest that concerns over Muslim migration and El-Sayed’s perceived extremist ties could sway the close Senate contest toward the GOP for the first time in three decades.
Why it matters
Voter attitudes on immigration and candidate affiliations could tip a closely contested Michigan Senate race.
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