Michigan U.S. Senate candidates focus on affordability ahead of midterm election

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Michigan has been represented by Democrats in the U.S. Senate since 2001, but both Republican and Democratic candidates believe their party has a chance to take the seat in the upcoming midterm election.

With affordability and the economy among the most pressing issues for Michigan voters, candidates Mike Rogers and Abdul El-Sayed are making their cases for why their party is best positioned to address the state's concerns.

While campaigning in St. Joseph, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers called the election an opportunity for change.

“We’ve had 25 years of two Democrats here in the United States Senate representing us, and we’ve had the Democrats in Lansing for the better part of eight years,” Rogers said. “So, if you think about that, our costs are up.”

Rogers' campaign has focused heavily on affordability, particularly utility rates and housing costs. He argues Democrats have had ample time to address those issues and says voters should consider a Republican alternative.

“They’ve raised our utility rates nine times,” Rogers said. “So, if you want more of that, more taxes, more high utility rates, then people are going to go that way.”

Rogers believes a Republican victory is necessary to get Michigan back on track.

Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed, however, sees the state's economic challenges differently. He argues that policies implemented by the Republican-controlled federal government are contributing to the problems facing Michigan residents.

“You look at the problem, and the big problem is Trump policies, and, you know, Mike Rogers is going to rubber-stamp all of them,” El-Sayed said.

El-Sayed's campaign has also centered on affordability, with a focus on lowering costs for working families, expanding affordable health care and addressing the impact of federal economic policies.

He says taking on large corporations, ending the war and resolving ongoing tariff disputes would help ease financial pressures on Michigan residents.

“I want to take on big corporations who are raising your prices. I want to end the war in Iran, and I want to end this tariff battle,” El-Sayed said. “All of that’s going to have immediate impacts on your ability to afford your life.”

El-Sayed believes the election will serve as a referendum on President Donald Trump's economic policies.

“I think a lot of these elections are going to be a referendum on Donald Trump and his mishandling of the economy,” El-Sayed said.

While the party holding the presidency typically faces losses during midterm elections, Rogers remains confident in the Republican Party's ability to gain ground in Michigan.

“We see this excitement happening around the state, saying, ‘Hey, this is our chance to get Michigan on our feet and be the envy of the country again,’” Rogers said.

Also on the ballot are Libertarian Lydia Christensen, U.S. Taxpayers Party candidate Tim Long, Green Party candidate Douglas Marsh and Natural Law Party candidate Walter Kristy.

The candidates' competing messages on affordability and the economy are expected to remain central as voters decide who will represent Michigan in the U.S. Senate.