Michigan Republican Senate hopeful Mike Rogers believes that growing divisions within the Democratic primary, paired with the expansion of his campaign operations, might enable him to win the state in November, potentially blocking Democrats from gaining control of the Senate.
“The crazy train has officially arrived here in Michigan,” said Rogers, a former congressman and past chair of the House Intelligence Committee during an exclusive interview on Breitbart News.
Rogers commented on the Democratic primary contest between Rep. Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed, as well as Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Rep. Jim Clyburn from South Carolina. He pointed out that Stevens has backed El-Sayed, who is endorsed by Senators Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
He argued that both candidates share positions on electric vehicle mandates, tax hikes, and permitting men to participate in women’s sports, claiming “these are core issues that alienate Democrats.”
Rogers noted that El-Sayed possesses “a little special secret sauce of madness.”
He characterized El-Sayed as a “darling of modern American democratic socialists,” suggesting that his candidacy exposes existing rifts between the Democratic mainstream and its socialist factions.
“They’re convinced they can shift the nation towards socialism,” Rogers asserted.
When asked which Democratic opponent he’d prefer, Rogers indicated that his campaign is prepared for either, calling the Democratic Party “more divided than I’ve ever seen it.”
“It’s okay to be crazy, but apparently that’s not too uncommon in the Democratic Party,” he remarked. “So we’re ready for both.”
Rogers mentioned that his campaign has recently conducted over a million door-to-door interactions in Michigan and aims to reach about 200,000 more weekly by September.
“We’re bombarding bases in a way that Washingtonians don’t grasp,” he said. “But you know what still works? Knocking on a door, chatting with someone, handing them some information—it still works.”
He explained that his strategy combines canvassing with digital outreach, mail campaigns, and other voter engagement methods.
“We plan to excel in both areas because we’re preparing for both scenarios and building this huge ground game,” Rogers asserted. “We’ve never witnessed anything like this in Michigan. That’s why we’re going to succeed.”
He presented the election as a choice between the policies of Democratic candidates and a campaign focused on working-class issues.
“Insane versus common sense. I think they’re leaning towards common sense,” Rogers noted. “Michigan has a working-class backbone. Ultimately, common sense will triumph.”
Rogers also critiqued Stevens’ voting record, accusing her of supporting policies like electric vehicle mandates, tax increases, and allowing men in women’s sports.
“She’s misguided on every key issue,” he claimed, arguing that her track record helps Republicans spotlight manufacturing losses, utility expenses, and education challenges.
He mentioned that support among autoworkers surged after El-Sayed received the United Auto Workers’ endorsement, which he attributed to El-Sayed’s backing of government-run healthcare.
“Once Abdul secured UAW’s endorsement purely for a government takeover of healthcare, my phone went off the hook,” Rogers said. “We had considerable support from UAW, but then it just exploded.”
He added that UAW members are advocating for robust private health benefits and are reluctant to give up their current insurance.
“I’m not ready to surrender my Blue Cross card and entrust my healthcare to the government,” he recalled workers saying during his campaign. “I’ve worked too hard for this.”
Having previously worked on auto assembly lines, Rogers contended that Biden’s EV policies are detrimental to manufacturers, dealers, and workers by forcing them to create cars that fail to appeal to consumers.
“They took a hit, and guess who suffered?” Rogers asked. “Line workers didn’t see bonuses. Why? Because Americans weren’t interested in buying those cars.”
According to him, consumers should have the freedom to select between electric, hybrid, or gas-powered vehicles without government mandates dictating manufacturers’ offerings.
“Want to buy an electric car? Go for it. But it shouldn’t be a requirement,” Rogers stated.
He pointed out the General Motors facility in Lansing that plans to shift from gasoline Cadillac production to electric models, which might lead to job losses.
After changes in federal standards under Trump, Rogers claimed the plant opted to proceed with gasoline-powered Cadillacs instead.
“You know what? We’re building a gas-powered Cadillac,” he said. “Now, all those workers are getting jobs.”
Rogers concluded by asserting that Michigan’s choice could be pivotal in deciding whether Democrats have a feasible path to dominate the Senate.
“It’s not a question of whether we win, but when we win,” he stated. “We have teams organized throughout the state.”
He emphasized that his campaign stays competitive by addressing state-specific issues rather than relying solely on national political shifts.
“We’re discussing Michigan issues from a Michigan perspective,” Rogers remarked. “It’s making a significant difference.”
Even if Republicans face challenges in other elections, a victory in Michigan could hinder Democrats from obtaining the necessary seats for control, he argued.
“We won Michigan, yet they fell short of 50 votes,” he said. “That’s why this state and this race hold such significance.”
