Michigan’s Senate contest is drawing attention to attacks on a Muslim candidate and debate over a progressive agenda
Republican Mike Rogers is attacking Democrat Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan’s tight race for an open Senate seat, portraying him as sympathetic to Islamist extremism and arguing his progressive policies are outside the mainstream. El-Sayed denies the allegation, while supporters call the attacks Islamophobic. Strategists say they aim to deter Jewish and Black Detroit-area voters who backed Representative Haley Stevens.
More context
Republican Mike Rogers is portraying Democrat Abdul El-Sayed as sympathetic to Islamist extremism in Michigan’s tight race for an open U.S. Senate seat, a charge El-Sayed denies and his supporters call Islamophobic. El-Sayed would become the nation’s first Muslim senator if he wins the November 3 election. Rogers has also argued that El-Sayed’s support for universal healthcare and other progressive policies puts him outside the political mainstream. Pollsters and political strategists say the attacks are intended to dissuade Jewish and Black voters in the Detroit area who backed El-Sayed’s primary opponent, Representative Haley Stevens, from voting for him. Jonathan Hanson, a political scientist and public policy lecturer at the University of Michigan, said Rogers is trying to portray El-Sayed as a dangerous outsider. The race could help determine control of the Senate and test support for the party’s progressive wing.
Was this story useful?
What was the main problem? (optional)
Reporting
Verifier’s note
Reuters reports that Michigan’s Senate race is testing attacks on Muslim candidate Abdul El-Sayed and debate over his progressive agenda. The report was published today, consistent with the proposed timing.