In their own words
Democrats and community leaders who have said it publicly.
Watch
“I like Mike Rogers' plans for those. I also chair the skilled trades task force. I created the first veterans department in the city of Detroit. We don't treat our veterans right, not just here in the city, but not in the state of Michigan, not even in the country.”
“Why don't Detroiters vote for Republicans in big numbers? Well, because they've just been conditioned to voting for Democrats.”
Mary Waters, Democratic Detroit City Council member at large
Mike Rogers for Michigan on X · September 2026Watch
“These people are incredibly dangerous. Abdul, who, you know, I work with at CNN, I know Abdul. His positions on Israel, on foreign policy are insane. They're not reasonable reactions to anything.”
“Abdul's position is a total and complete arms embargo against the state of Israel, including defensive weapons. That's an insane position.”
Van Jones, CNN commentator and former Obama White House adviser
Ask Haviv Anything podcast · September 1, 2026Across the aisle
“I do support Mike Rogers. I think Mike Rogers is a good person. I think he'll do a great job.”
Asked on CNBC whether he would be okay with Abdul El-Sayed winning the general election, Manchin answered: no.
Sen. Joe Manchin, Former Democratic U.S. Senator from West Virginia
CNBC · Washington Examiner · September 14, 2026Institutions line up
“Mike Rogers is a proven public servant with a deep background in federal policy who will represent Michigan well in the U.S. Senate as our state and nation faces major economic headwinds. Over the years, he's been willing to defend our state's industrial base while drawing on tremendous foreign policy experience to understand the global forces challenging our top industries.”
Abdul El-Sayed did not respond to the Chamber PAC's invitation for an interview.
Detroit Regional Chamber PAC · Bipartisan business PAC · Sandy K. Baruah, President and CEO
Detroit Regional Chamber PAC · 2026 general election endorsements
“There is a bigger concern about El-Sayed: He has worked so hard covering his tracks leading up to this Senate race that it's impossible to know who he really is or where he would stand in the Senate.”
“Mike Rogers is clearly the best choice for Michigan's U.S. Senate seat and gets our endorsement.”
The Detroit News · Editorial board
Detroit News editorial · September 16, 2026On the ground
“You will lose your health insurance if the other candidate gets in office… common sense prevails that Mike Rogers is the candidate for you.”
State Rep. Karen Whitsett, Detroit
RNC Research / RedState · August 20, 2026
“I want the Democrats to win. I think they’re going to win the Senate. I think they’re going to win the House. I want to do it without El-Sayed. And that can be done. Hasan Piker is just not the leader of my party, and it’s okay for Democrats to say that.”
Former Communications Director and press secretary, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden
Source: Fox News, Dayside
“I’m a longtime Democrat — fighting for GOP’s Mike Rogers, and my party’s soul, in Michigan.”
Democratic strategist · former chief counsel, House Judiciary Democrats
Source: New York Post op-ed · August 6, 2026
“I have to do whatever I can to make sure this candidate, Abdul El-Sayed, does not win.”
Leader of the Kehillat Etz Chayim congregation in Huntington Woods, and director of community relations for the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor
Source: JNS · August 18, 2026
“He really ran the under-four mile politically, palling around with a dude that loves Hamas and thinks America deserved 9/11.”
Democratic U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania
Source: Jewish Insider · August 2026You don’t have to leave the party to vote for the better candidate. Join the Democrats who already have.
