A Republican Senate candidate, Mike Rogers, spoke at a midterm rally in Howell Township, Michigan, with Vice President JD Vance by his side, as the race against Democrat Abdul El-Sayed drew national attention.

The rally also featured other Republican candidates, including gubernatorial hopeful John James, U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett, and Michigan Attorney General and Secretary of State candidates Doug Lloyd and Anthony Forlini.

The story reflects heightened national interest in the race due to potential shifts in party control of the U.S. Senate.

Rogers labeled El-Sayed as radical and aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America, accusing him of ties to terrorist organizations and questioning his loyalty to the United States; El-Sayed countered by highlighting Rogers’ alignment with Trump-era policies he says hurt Michiganders.

Rogers’ campaign has attacked El-Sayed over alleged extremist ties and antisemitism, while El-Sayed has criticized Rogers for supporting policies tied to Trump-era agendas and for the Green New Deal’s impact on Michigan’s auto industry.

The rally took place at the CHI Aviation hangar on October 27, 2026, drawing hundreds of supporters just over a week before the November 3 general election.

Vance and Trump endorsed Rogers, with Vance criticizing El-Sayed and reaffirming support for Rogers, saying Rogers would serve Michigan’s interests rather than the administration.