The key facts
- On November 3, Michigan holds elections that will determine control of the US Senate
- Candidates: Democrat Abdul El-Sayed versus Republican Mike Rogers, polls show a tie
- Residents of the state name the war with Iran and the rising cost of living as the main campaign issues
The race that decides the balance in the Senate
The November 3 midterm elections will decide which party controls the US Senate. In Michigan, the Senate seat is contested by left-wing Democrat and physician Abdul El-Sayed and Donald Trump's endorsed candidate, former Republican congressman Mike Rogers. According to AFP, polls put the candidates 'neck and neck.' The state narrowly backed Trump in 2024, while in 2020 it voted for Democrat Joe Biden.
Neighbors on opposite sides of the barricades
AFP correspondents visited Warren, home to two retired auto industry workers — 67-year-old Mike and 78-year-old Rich Dimichele, both former Chrysler employees. Mike is worried about Trump's war with Iran and its cost to taxpayers: in his words, if Republicans keep control of the Senate, the president 'will go crazy.' Dimichele, on the contrary, supports the Republican, considering the Democrats weak on Iran. He said he would not vote for El-Sayed, calling him 'a Muslim who hates America,' and faulted the candidate for not naming Iran the greatest threat to the US. Dimichele also accused the Democrats of neglecting elderly voters and stated: 'They want illegals to come in and vote.' AFP notes the intensity of passions: Mike has not answered the phone for years and refused to give his last name.
War and prices as the main issues
For residents of the region, the war in Iran is a personal matter: according to AFP, tens of thousands of American service members are stationed in the region, and more than 20 Americans have died in the regional conflict that has continued with interruptions. Mike said his son serves in the Middle East and complained about the expenses: 'Who pays for this? I'm paying every time at the store and at the gas pump.' The rising cost of living is a recurring theme among other voters as well: 85-year-old Sue Adamski said her 'meager money' is melting away as prices for groceries and gasoline rise, adding that she is 'no Trump supporter.'
Union mobilization and aggressive advertising
Both parties are spending enormous sums on the race, and increasingly aggressive attack ads are running on the state's local TV channels. Thirty-two-year-old Maurice Starr, an insurance worker and member of the United Auto Workers union, goes door to door promoting union-endorsed candidates — all Democrats. His colleague, 45-year-old Rob Banks, a body shop supervisor at General Motors, compiles lists of current and retired union members for canvassing. 'People feel the country is moving in the wrong direction. They ask: why should I vote? — Starr said. — That's why we're here, and we hope to flip these districts.'
