Black voters in Michigan are dissatisfied with Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed, particularly over his progressive positions, his handling of issues involving Israel and Gaza and concerns that he has not adequately connected with established black political and community leaders.
During a recent panel discussion on far-left MS NOW, some Democratic voters from Wayne County expressed reservations about supporting him.
"I think he's taking advantage that we as black people are Democratic, and he thinks we're going to vote for him anyway," one black voter (pictured at left) said. "I'm like, 'No, sir. I'd like to put uncommitted down on that little circle and move on.' If you're going to Congress to represent me, I need you to talk about what's going on in this community."
Linda Lee Tarver, an ambassador for the Project 21 Black Leadership Network, agrees that El-Sayed does not come off as being remotely interested in the black community.
"He has not even been one of those liberal Democrats who've pretended to peddle in the black community," she reports. "Because there is a segregation between blacks and Muslims with respect to the communities near Detroit, they're not feeling him."
Tarver says she sees a growing number of black Democratic voters "unashamedly supporting" Republican Mike Rogers in this tight Senate race "because he's not trying to reinvent himself."
Unlike El-Sayed, who has dual citizenship in Egypt and has expressed his "hate" for Mackinac Island, which is one of the state's most popular tourist destinations, and the "toxic masculinity" associated with American football, they see Rogers as a Michigan-born-and-bred man who has close ties with the state.
Rogers is also emphasizing issues such as inflation, education, housing, crime and economic opportunity rather than relying solely on national Republican themes.
Black voters remain overwhelmingly Democratic, but polling suggests El-Sayed is struggling to consolidate their support, creating an opening for Rogers among voters who are willing to cross party lines.
Though a new Fox News poll is the first this season showing El-Sayed has only a slim edge over Rogers (50%-49%) among Michigan likely voters, Tarver predicts Rogers will ultimately win.
