Democratic Allies Back Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan Senate Race
Jewish Democratic donors and officials are backing Republican Mike Rogers over Democrat Abdul el Sayed due to concerns over el Sayed's rhetoric regarding Israel.
Several prominent Jewish Democratic figures in Michigan have announced they will vote for Republican Mike Rogers in the race to replace retiring Senator Gary Peters. David Kramer, a former Democratic official and board member of the Democratic Majority for Israel, declared his support for Rogers, citing a lack of moderation from Democratic candidate Abdul el Sayed. Kramer identified an ABC News interview in which el Sayed stated that Israel is not actually a friend of the United States as a tipping point in his decision.
Jason Turkish, a Jewish Democratic donor and fiancé of Representative Haley Stevens, also announced he will vote for Rogers. Turkish accused el Sayed of using reckless language that threatens the safety of the Jewish community, specifically linking el Sayed's descriptions of the military campaign in Gaza as a genocide to death threats against Jews.
Abdul el Sayed has condemned antisemitism and previously apologized for comments made following a synagogue attack, but he continues to criticize the Israeli government and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. His campaign stated the candidate remains focused on building a broad coalition in Michigan. The Senate race is currently rated as a toss-up, with el Sayed maintaining a slight lead in polling averages.
