The U.S. Senate race in Michigan has become a deeply personal issue for many voters beyond political party control. Jewish Democrats in Detroit’s suburbs face dilemmas tied to faith and identity while considering support for their party’s nominee. In nearby Dearborn, Arab American leaders who once backed Trump express concern over Republican rhetoric.
These tensions arise amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza following Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023. The race between Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, who aims to become the first Muslim senator, reveals stark divisions. Rogers has labeled El-Sayed as a potential extremist, attempting to sway Jewish voters by associating El-Sayed’s name with radicalism.
“Lori Goldman is my best friend,” said Mimi Price-Miletic. “This summer I said we cannot discuss Abdul. I don’t want to hear his name. We’ve agreed to disagree and we don’t talk about it.”
Rogers’ campaign seeks Jewish voters’ support following a contentious primary between El-Sayed and U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, where Israel dominated discussions. Rogers has engaged with Jewish communities, including visits to synagogues, positioning himself as the candidate who can ensure safety.
Meanwhile, El-Sayed faces criticisms tied to past associations and comments. His statements following the Temple Israel attack drew backlash and Rogers continues to leverage them. Trump claimed affiliation between El-Sayed and the Muslim Brotherhood, though there’s no evidence supporting this.
El-Sayed’s outreach includes grassroots efforts to engage undecided Jewish voters. Supporters like Andy Levin emphasize dialogue over hard sales.
Dearborn, with its significant Arab American population, has experienced shifting sentiments. Arab Americans disillusioned with Trump’s rhetoric are scrutinizing Republican approaches to Muslim figures like El-Sayed. Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud criticized attempts to link politicians like El-Sayed to terrorism through faith-based attacks.
Bishara Bahbah, initially a Trump supporter, warns against religiously-motivated criticism, emphasizing El-Sayed’s American identity. Community leaders who previously helped secure Trump support express regret over divisive language and highlight its potential consequences in upcoming elections.
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