Election 2026 Michigan Senate

Republicans are trying to win an open Senate seat race in Michigan, and nominee Mike Rogers is stepping up his appeals to some Democrats. The strategy is key to what the former congressman sees as a way to defeat progressive Democrat Abdul El-Sayed. Rogers narrowly lost a Senate race two years ago. This time, he’s betting he can win over some Democrats and independents, particularly Black and Jewish voters. At the same time, he must rally Donald Trump loyalists to turn out to vote, even though the president isn’t on the ballot. The November race is critical in the fight for Senate control.

Michigan U.S. Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed says he wants Kamala Harris’ midterm campaign stop in Detroit to unify Democrats in the key swing state. Party factions were on full display in Michigan's hotly contested primary this year and in Harris’ 2024 presidential defeat. Harris' visit Tuesday includes a roundtable on Black maternal health and an event with the Detroit NAACP. The Senate race between El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers is crucial for Democrats. El-Sayed acknowledges differences with Harris' previous support for U.S. military aid in Israel. El-Sayed has called Israel's actions in Gaza genocide, which Israel denies. But El-Sayed says he and Harris agree on much more. Rogers’ campaign says Harris’ visit shows weakness.