Canvassers backing Mike Rogers in Michigan’s Senate race portrayed Democrat Abdul El-Sayed as a big-government socialist; Livonia conversations showed mixed reactions, with some questioning the pitch and others unsure about Rogers amid discontent with President Trump.
Republicans are trying to mobilize less-engaged voters for the November 3 midterms, when turnout typically falls by more than 10 percentage points from presidential-election levels. In the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll, 42% of self-described Democrats said they were “very enthusiastic” about voting, compared with 28% of Republicans.
With AFP Action and other outside groups, Rogers’ campaign plans to knock on 6 million to 8 million doors by Election Day—roughly double its 2024 total, when he lost the Senate race by 19,000 votes, according to a person familiar with the matter. Michigan Democratic Party chair Curtis Hertel said active volunteer ranks have risen 267% since the primary and Democrats will knock on 1.4 million doors in the final four weeks. Republican county chair Vance Patrick said volunteer enthusiasm remained strong and predicted two Trump visits to Michigan before Election Day would boost turnout.
