Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers argued Monday night that Democratic rival Abdul El-Sayed is vulnerable among Black and Jewish voters in Michigan. The comments came during a Fox News town hall hosted by Sean Hannity as the state's closely watched Senate race enters its final two weeks.
Rogers presented a case that El-Sayed could underperform among demographics that typically favor Democrats, creating an opening for Republicans. He cited past criticisms El-Sayed made of former President Barack Obama, whom El-Sayed described as "not the right choice" to advance a progressive agenda after Obama's 2012 re-election. Rogers stated that El-Sayed is dismissive in Detroit, noting conversations with dozens of Black pastors and neighborhood leaders in the city who are seeking change.
Despite Rogers' claims, Obama is scheduled to campaign with El-Sayed in Detroit on Oct. 24. The former president has also released a video urging voters to support the Democratic nominee.
Rogers also focused on the Jewish community, suggesting El-Sayed's stance on Israel could alienate voters. El-Sayed recently declined to say whether Iran or Israel posed a greater threat, stating instead that both have proven dangerous. He noted one risks attacking the United States, while the other gets the country into wars it has no business fighting.
Rogers estimated there are about 70,000 Jewish Democrats in Michigan. He claimed that if half of those voters were alienated by El-Sayed's remarks, it would provide a significant boost to his campaign. Rogers said Republicans held an event the previous night with over 1,000 attendees who expressed fear for their children and support for his campaign. He projected that 35,000 votes from Jewish Democrats could change the dynamic of the race.
Republican gubernatorial nominee Rep. John James also appeared on the program to discuss government spending. James claimed Michigan is currently spending 50% more than under former Republican Gov. Rick Snyder's administration and $20 billion more per year than at the height of the pandemic. Snyder left office in 19. James argued that Michigan has a spending problem rather than a taxation problem.
James drew comparisons to fraud investigations in Minnesota, referencing videographer Nick Shirley. James asked what Shirley could find in Michigan if he could find $9 billion of fraud in Minnesota, a state with half of Michigan's population and 60% of its budget. In reality, Shirley did not uncover $9 billion in fraud. That figure was an estimate by former federal prosecutor Joe Thompson regarding potential fraud across 14 high-risk Medicaid programs, an amount Minnesota officials have disputed. Federal and state investigators in Minnesota have found fraud involving taxpayer-funded childcare, food assistance and healthcare programs.
The town hall concluded with House GOP Conference Chair Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., accusing Democrats of hiding their true character. McClain stated she no longer calls them Democrats, referring to them as the Communist Party. She claimed Democrats want to pack the Supreme Court, abolish the police and let people out of prisons.
Michigan voters will head to the polls on Nov. 3 to elect their next Senate and gubernatorial officials.