Full Breakdown
Michigan Senate Race Heats Up as Candidates Court Jewish Voters
By Drooid · · How we work
Senate Race Tightens with Jewish Outreach Push
In the final weeks of the 2026 Michigan U.S. Senate contest, Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed added Jewish outreach director Lenore Goldman to his staff. Goldman, a veteran consultant on Michigan’s minimum-wage and redistricting initiatives, began advising the campaign in September and has appeared at events hosted by Jewish supporters. The move follows canvassing efforts by the progressive group Seed the Vote in partnership with Bend the Arc Action and IfNotNow, aimed at mobilizing Jewish voters for El-Sayed.
Background: Prior Controversies with Jewish Voters
El-Sayed, a former Wayne County health director, has faced skepticism from Michigan’s liberal Jewish electorate after remarks describing Israel as “not an ally” and comments on the Temple Israel shooting. He also drew criticism for a prior association with left-wing streamer Hasan Piker, whose remarks about Jews have been labeled antisemitic. El-Sayed has publicly distanced himself from Piker and issued a letter to Jewish Michiganders emphasizing his commitment to combating antisemitism.
Republican opponent Mike Rogers, a former U.S. Representative, seized on these controversies, asserting during the final televised debate that “Jewish Democrats” are “literally afraid” of El-Sayed’s rhetoric. Rogers highlighted the role of pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC, which, according to a New York Times report, plans to spend up to $9 million supporting Rogers through its affiliated super PAC.
Data & Statistics
- A recent Marist poll of likely voters placed El-Sayed ahead of Rogers, 50 % to 48 %, within the poll’s error range.
- Seed the Vote’s canvassing operation relies heavily on out-of-state volunteers; one canvasser, Ronit Wagman, noted that local Jews often decline door-knocking, citing concerns about name-calling.
Official Statements & Responses
- The letter was circulated on social media and sponsored by the Michigan Democratic Party, which declined to comment.
- Rogers, during the Detroit debate, claimed Jewish voters are defecting to him because they view El-Sayed as “too extreme.” He also accused El-Sayed of failing to condemn Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps; El-Sayed rebuffed the charge, stating he has never been a member of the Muslim Brotherhood and calling the attacks “beneath” Rogers.
- Nonnegotiable Michigan, a coalition of local rabbis and Jewish politicians, urged El-Sayed to more affirmatively support Jews and Israel, warning that his current stance makes voting for him “painfully difficult.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “I don’t think it is ever healthy to associate any leader with the ugliest thing that anyone who supports them does,” — Daniel Biss, Illinois congressional candidate
- “My opponent can’t even condemn the IRGC, which is the terrorist enforcement arm of Iran, and doesn’t believe Iran is any more dangerous than Israel,” — Mike Rogers, U.S. Representative
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The Marist poll shows a narrow El-Sayed lead, but no other polling data is provided, leaving the broader electoral picture unclear.
- Both campaigns declined to comment on the outreach letter and on the specifics of Seed the Vote’s canvassing budget, creating gaps in understanding the scale of their Jewish-voter strategies.
What’s Next
As Michigan heads toward the November election, both campaigns will continue intensive outreach to Jewish communities, with El-Sayed’s new liaison and Rogers’ debate messaging shaping the final stretch of the contest.