Mike Rogers calibrates Jewish outreach as he builds broad coalition against Abdul El-Sayed

Former Rep. Mike Rogers is strategically building outreach to Jewish voters in Michigan's general election race against Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed, who secured the party's nomination following a contentious primary.

Rogers has characterized El-Sayed, a former public health official, as "beyond antisemitic" And said he "hates Jewish people," Citing concerns among Jewish Democrats about El-Sayed's rhetoric toward Israel, his association with antisemitic content creator Hasan Piker, and his equivocation regarding a foiled terrorist attack against a synagogue near Detroit in March. While Republicans view an opening to appeal to disaffected Jewish voters, Rogers has balanced direct outreach with broader appeals to Democrats statewide, assuring them in a recent video that they have "a home with" His campaign.

A Michigan GOP strategist noted that Rogers has not visibly singled out Jewish voters as a specific target, suggesting the campaign is conducting private engagement alongside a wider coalition-building effort. Bobby Schostak, former Michigan Republican Party chairman and a Jewish surrogate, hosted a donor call with Rogers and his pollster that drew approximately 150 attendees, including Jewish Democrats and supporters of moderate pro-Israel Rep. Haley Stevens, who lost to El-Sayed in the primary.

Three prominent Jewish Democratic bundlers - Hannan Lis, Brian Hermelin, and Rob Orley - are hosting a fundraiser for Rogers. Lis stated, "This is something that none of us has ever done," Explaining that El-Sayed's opposition to Israel and refusal to recognize its right to exist as a Jewish state represents "a departure in the direction of the Democratic Party." The bundlers emphasized their support reflects shared commitment to Israel rather than broader political alignment.

The Republican Jewish Coalition intends to mount aggressive outreach to approximately 100,000 Jewish voters in Michigan, with a spokesperson indicating an independent expenditure "will be significant." AIPAC's super PAC, which spent over $30 million supporting Stevens, has not formally endorsed Rogers but sources indicate likely spending on his behalf.

Some Jewish Democratic voters remain undecided. Michael Horowitz, a Detroit businessman, said he was "leaning heavily" Toward Rogers but had not committed, noting that most people he speaks with are "voting against El-Sayed, as opposed to voting for Rogers." He is arranging a conversation with Rogers to assess the candidate further.

Meanwhile, El-Sayed has sought to reassure skeptical Jewish Democrats, emphasizing his "commitment to Jewish safety" While continuing to use strong rhetoric on Israel following the primary.