Story perspectives

El-Sayed Leads Rogers 47%–44% in Michigan Senate Poll

By Drooid · Sep 28, 2026, 3:26 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

El-Sayed Leads Michigan

Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed leads Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s Senate race, per recent polls.
Rasmussen poll of 1,099 likely voters shows El-Sayed at 47% and Rogers at 44%.
El-Sayed’s campaign raised about $14.5 million through July 2026, $14.4 million from individuals.
El-Sayed blames President Donald Trump’s Iran war for the surge, saying it adds $1,200 per truck tank.
Rogers accuses El-Sayed of supporting defunding police and endangering families with fentanyl policies.

Summary

Free Press Endorses El-Sayed

Detroit Free Press editorial board endorsed Democrat Abdul El-Sayed for U.S. Senate.
The paper called Republican Mike Rogers an election denier aligned with President Donald Trump.
Free Press argued Rogers exploits anti-Muslim sentiment against El-Sayed’s Egyptian name and faith.
The editorial warned losing the seat would weaken Democrats’ ability to counter the Trump agenda.
Detroit News editorial, a traditionally Republican outlet, endorsed Rogers and criticized El-Sayed.

History

Historical Context

The 1994 Republican Revolution, driven by Newt Gingrich’s Contract with America, gave the GOP its first House majority since 1952 and added eight Senate seats, including Spencer Abraham’s 55% win over Bob Carr in Michigan with a $12 million haul. That realignment set a precedent for today’s El-Sayed-Rogers race, where both candidates have raised over $14 million and face intense identity-based campaigning.

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El-Sayed Leads Michigan

Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed leads Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s Senate race, per recent polls.
Rasmussen poll of 1,099 likely voters shows El-Sayed at 47% and Rogers at 44%.
El-Sayed’s campaign raised about $14.5 million through July 2026, $14.4 million from individuals.
El-Sayed blames President Donald Trump’s Iran war for the surge, saying it adds $1,200 per truck tank.
Rogers accuses El-Sayed of supporting defunding police and endangering families with fentanyl policies.

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