Detroit News Endorses Mike Rogers in Senate Race

While newspaper endorsements might be seen as less impactful these days, the Detroit News is making a noteworthy exception in the 2026 elections.

On Wednesday, the Detroit News has officially backed Republican Mike Rogers over the far-left Democrat Abdul El-Sayed in what is shaping up to be a close battle for the Senate seat in Michigan. The editorial was particularly critical of El-Sayed and what it termed “the radical wing” of the Democratic Party.

They pointed out Rogers’ experience and credentials, calling him “the prototype of a United States Senator.” Citing his seven terms in Congress, as well as his background in the FBI and cybersecurity, they argue that “Rogers’ experience, clear thinking, and temperament are bound to quickly vault him into the Senate’s leadership ranks,” emphasizing how beneficial that would be for Michigan’s voice in Washington.

However, the bulk of the article focused on the reasons why El-Sayed is deemed unsuitable for the position. The News was notably blunt in its critique, expressing skepticism about El-Sayed’s transparency regarding his past positions—especially concerning his comments on Israel and the 9/11 attacks.

“He has deleted social media posts that reportedly called into question his attitude about America in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. A candidate who feels the need to hide his past from voters is not someone who can be trusted to be the same person after Election Day as he was on the campaign trail,” the editorial read.

The editorial also raised concerns about El-Sayed’s associations with democratic socialists and questioned his medical credentials. Despite holding a medical degree and promoting himself as a physician, they noted he does not have a license to practice medicine.

The El-Sayed campaign did not provide comments regarding the endorsement.

Traditionally viewed as the conservative alternative to the Detroit Free Press, the Detroit News has shifted its editorial direction over the past decade, frequently criticizing President Donald Trump and his movement. It has not endorsed Trump in previous elections, instead supporting Libertarian Gary Johnson in 2016 and abstaining from endorsing candidates in 2020 and 2024.

In its endorsement of Rogers, the News criticized Trump’s policies, claiming they “have, without question, harmed” people in Michigan. Nonetheless, they cautioned voters against choosing “a radical senator just to spite Trump.”

The Detroit News concluded, “Mike Rogers is clearly the best choice for Michigan’s U.S. Senate seat,” whereas El-Sayed’s background is portrayed as lacking substantial qualifications for such a significant leadership role.

“It’s impossible to know who he really is or where he would stand in the Senate,” they remarked about El-Sayed.

The endorsement, posted on X early Wednesday, quickly gained traction, with some users referring to it as a devastating critique of El-Sayed.

The Rogers campaign responded positively to the endorsement.

Current polling indicates a competitive race, with the RealClearPolling average showing El-Sayed with a slight two-point lead over Rogers.