Mike Rogers thanks supporters after Senate loss. What he didn't say
John Wisely- Abdul El-Sayed made history as the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate.
- Mike Rogers lost a senate bid in 2024 as well.
Former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-White Lake Township, issued a statement thanking his supporters but not conceding defeat after he lost his hard-fought bid for a U.S. Senate seat to Democrat Abdul El-Sayed.
"Over the past two years, Kristi and I have met incredible Michiganders who want solutions, not division," Rogers said in the statement Wednesday, Nov. 4. "We’ve worked to put a spotlight on literacy, affordable housing, manufacturing jobs, Detroit’s food desert, and the troubling rise of antisemitism.
"We will be forever grateful to the families, faith leaders, and community leaders who welcomed us. We focused on what brings us together – and on real solutions to the real issues that Michiganders face."
The statement makes no mention of his opponent, El-Sayed who won about 53% of the vote compared with 46% for Rogers, according to unofficial totals.
El-Sayed, the former Detroit and Wayne County health director, made history as the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate. El-Sayed never trailed in the count and claimed victory over Rogers at about 1:30 a.m., Nov. 4.
"You took a chance on the unlikeliest of candidates. This is all yours. Michigan, I cannot wait to serve you," El-Sayed said in a speech to supporters Nov. 4. "Thank you for your trust and your belief and your kindness."
Rogers, a Livingston County native, served 14 years in the U.S. House before leaving politics for a decade. In 2024, he attempted a comeback, running for the U.S. Senate seat held by retired Democrat Debbie Stabenow.
Rogers lost that race to Democrat Elissa Slotkin by about 19,000 votes, despite Donald Trump carrying Michigan at the top of the ticket.
Contact John Wisely: [email protected]. On X: @jwisely