Mike Rogers says Democratic leftward shift opens path to Michigan Senate seat

Former Rep. Mike Rogers, the Republican nominee for Michigan’s Senate seat, contended that the Democratic Party’s recent shift toward progressive policies, spurred by leaders such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, could frighten moderate voters. He described the change as a “crazy train” arriving in Michigan. The Democratic primary, scheduled for Tuesday, features establishment favorite Haley Stevens against progressive epidemiologist Abul El-Sayed, who enjoys endorsements from Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders and holds a double-digit lead in recent polls.

Rogers, who narrowly lost in 2024, remains unchallenged in the GOP primary and plans to emphasize his blue-collar background and defense-industry experience. Outside groups have injected roughly $60 million into Michigan races, with national Republicans pledging additional ad spending. The contest has grown contentious, with personal attacks exchanged between the Democratic contenders and criticism from figures like Senator John Fetterman.