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El-Sayed lead for Michigan Senate grows, helped by views of Trump
USA Today • • nation
Key Points:
- Democrat Abdul El-Sayed leads Republican Mike Rogers 47%-40% in Michigan's key Senate race, driven largely by voter opposition to President Trump, according to a Suffolk University poll.
- Nearly half (48%) of likely Michigan voters said they are voting to change the direction of Trump's leadership, while only 20% support Trump, reflecting his 31% approval rating in the state.
- Economic concerns, especially the impact of Trump's tariffs on Canada and opposition to data center development, are major factors swaying independent voters away from Republicans.
- El-Sayed, a progressive and former public health official, has strong support from Democrats (88%) and Black voters (72%), despite earlier struggles in the primary; his election would make him the first Muslim U.S. senator.
- The race is seen as a critical test for both Trump’s influence and the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, with Democrats needing to flip four GOP seats to gain a Senate majority.
