Michigan Senate showdown pits Jewish and Arab American voters amid Gaza-driven tensions
The race for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat between Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has become a flashpoint for Jewish and Arab American voters, who are divided over the war in Gaza and heated campaign rhetoric.
The open-seat Senate contest in Michigan has turned into a battle over identity and foreign policy, with Republican former congressman Mike Rogers and Democrat former health official Abdul El-Sayed at the center. Rogers has leaned into accusations that El-Sayed is linked to extremist groups, citing a viral post that called him a terrorist and repeating President Donald Trump’s claim that he belongs to the Muslim Brotherhood, a charge for which no evidence has been presented.
El-Sayed’s response to the March Temple Israel shooting - a statement that “hurt people hurt people” followed by an apology - is being used by Republicans to question his stance on terrorism. Jewish voters in Oakland County are split: activists like Lori Goldman view Rogers’ messaging as a fear campaign, while others such as Mimi Price-Miletic remain undecided or lean toward Rogers. Arab American leaders in Dearborn, many of whom backed Trump two years ago, criticize the rhetoric as religiously motivated, with Mayor Abdullah Hammoud and former Trump outreach director Bishara Bahbah warning that such attacks cross a red line. Both campaigns are holding targeted events, including a Rogers-Cruz rally framed as a safety debate in the wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack and the Temple Israel incident, as they vie for the support of communities still reeling from the Gaza war.
Why it matters
The contest could shape how national security and Middle-East issues influence voter behavior in a pivotal swing state.
How this story developed
- Sep 28 Joe Concha accuses Senate hopeful Abdul el Sayed of political double-talk
- Oct 3 A Rasmussen Reports poll now shows El‑Sayed leading Rogers 47% to 44%.
- Oct 5 Jeffries warned that Republican money is being poured into Long Island districts held by Tom Suozzi and Laura Gillen, despite those seats being vulnerable to Democratic wins. He noted that the GOP’s focus on these races is making Republican-held districts, including the upstate seat of retiring Elisa Stafanik, more competitive. Jeffries also linked the alleged mismanagement to reports about Donald Trump advisers Chris LaCivita and James Blair working abroad. Democratic super PACs are holding back, believing their incumbents are well positioned, while GOP groups have spent nearly $2 million on Gillen’s district.
- Oct 9 The first televised debate between the Michigan Senate hopefuls was held Thursday night.
- Oct 10 Trump posted on Truth Social after the debate, claiming Rogers completely dominated and calling El‑Sayed a jihadist lunatic.
- Oct 18 Jeffries warned that the GOP's focus on the Long Island races may jeopardize the upstate district of retiring Elisa Stafanik.
- Oct 19 Trump posted a Truth Social attack on El‑Sayed and shared a Kid Rock video warning of religious conflict in Dearborn.
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