In a recent interview on Sirius XM’s Breitbart News Saturday, former U.S. Representative Mike Rogers (R-MI) expressed optimism about his campaign’s momentum in Michigan’s U.S. Senate race against Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI). As both candidates vie for the seat currently held by retiring Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Rogers highlighted his campaign’s strategic ground game, which focused on direct voter engagement. Over the past week alone, Rogers’ campaign reportedly knocked on 88,000 doors, a feat they aim to replicate in the remaining days leading to Election Day. He conveyed excitement over the increasing enthusiasm from voters, suggesting that his team is effectively connecting with the public despite being outspent early in the race.
Polling data appears to bolster Rogers’ confidence, revealing a narrow two-point lead over Slotkin after a significant surge in support over the preceding month. He attributes this momentum to his campaign’s focus on issues that resonate with Michigan voters, such as electric vehicle (EV) mandates and the ramifications of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Rogers articulated his opposition to government-driven mandates for EV production, arguing that these policies could jeopardize jobs in Michigan’s auto industry, citing temporary layoffs at a Ford plant as a notable example. This stance, he believes, is contributing to a shift in support among auto workers towards his campaign.
In addition to auto workers, Rogers noted a rise in engagement with black men, indicating that his campaign is making inroads with this demographic. He also recognized the significant Arab American population in Wayne County, where traditional Democratic support is waning due to dissatisfaction with the Biden administration’s handling of Middle Eastern affairs. In particular, he pointed to Donald Trump’s recent visit to Dearborn, underscoring the discontent among Arab Americans, who Rogers claims feel neglected by the Democrats. He suggested that while these voters may not necessarily shift to supporting Republicans outright, they are increasingly disinclined to vote for Democrats.
Regarding Arab American perspectives, Rogers explained that while there is concern about U.S. foreign policy in the region, there is also a desire for peace and assistance for the Palestinian people post-conflict. He criticized Democrats for their inconsistent messaging on issues related to Israel and Hamas, arguing that this has alienated potential voters. As a result, Rogers sees this as an opening for Republicans to gain traction within this demographic by tapping into a shared desire for stability and support for humanitarian aid.
Heading into the final stretch of the campaign, Rogers planned to concentrate on key issues that resonate with voters on a practical level. He emphasized the importance of addressing pocketbook concerns and reminding auto workers of the potential job losses tied to EV mandates. He argued that these mandates do not effectively resolve the issues they claim to address, and they would lead to increased reliance on China for battery production and other components. This message, he believes, is resonating well with voters, further energizing his campaign.
As Rogers looks toward Election Day, he noted the competitive landscape of absentee and early voting. Despite being outspent, his campaign is reportedly leading in early voting numbers, indicating robust engagement among supporters. If this trend continues, he is optimistic about his chances of victory. Overall, Rogers’ interview reflected a confident approach as he navigates the final days of his campaign, focusing on direct communication with constituents and leveraging key issues that he believes will resonate strongly with Michigan voters.
