ANN ARBOR ~ A prominent Michigan rabbi who typically supports Democratic candidates says he plans to vote for Republican Mike Rogers in this year’s U.S. Senate election, citing concerns about Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed’s positions on Israel and his relationships with controversial political figures.
Rabbi Asher Lopatin, director of community relations for the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor, announced that he will support Rogers despite his history of voting Democratic. Lopatin said he is making the decision in a personal capacity and not on behalf of the federation. He described El-Sayed as unacceptable as a Senate candidate and said preventing his election is a priority.
Lopatin also praised Rogers, telling a Democrats for Mike Rogers group that his support is based not only on opposition to El-Sayed, but also on his view of Rogers’ character and leadership. He encouraged other voters to consider backing the Republican nominee as the campaign heads into the general election.
The endorsement underscores how debate over Israel and antisemitism has become a factor in Michigan’s Senate race following El-Sayed’s Democratic primary victory.
