Detroit News endorses Republican Mike Rogers over Democrat Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan Senate race

The Detroit News, Michigan’s second-largest newspaper, endorsed Republican former Rep. Mike Rogers for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Democrat Gary Peters. In its endorsement, the paper said Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed has removed numerous social-media posts and videos, making it difficult for voters to assess his positions.

"A candidate who feels the need to hide his past from voters is not someone who can be trusted to be the same person after Election Day as he was on the campaign trail," the newspaper wrote.

The paper noted that El-Sayed deleted posts that it described as questioning his attitude toward America after the September 11 attacks, as well as videos that it said portrayed controversial views on issues such as fireworks, the Second Amendment, and police funding. El-Sayed’s campaign said the removals were intended to prevent old posts from being taken out of context and reiterated that he has condemned terrorism and the September 11 attacks.

Rogers was praised for his 14-year tenure in the House, including chairing the Intelligence Committee, and for his subsequent work in cybersecurity. The endorsement highlighted his experience as a contrast to El-Sayed’s perceived lack of transparency.

The race remains close, with recent polls showing a narrow margin between the two candidates.