Michigan Orthodox rabbi, who usually votes Dem, backs Rogers over El-Sayed

Rabbi Asher Lopatin, director of community relations at the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor, a self-described Democrat, announced his intention to vote for Republican Mike Rogers over Democrat Abdul El-Sayed in the Michigan Senate race. Lopatin cited El-Sayed's past statements, including comparing Israel to Hamas, as the primary reason for his decision, stating, "I have to do whatever I can to make sure this candidate, Abdul El-Sayed, does not win." He expressed disappointment that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who calls himself the "Shomer Yisrael," endorsed El-Sayed despite these concerns. Lopatin believes El-Sayed's victory would be "a disaster for the Democratic party" and suggested El-Sayed could gain his vote by recognizing Israel's legitimacy and apologizing for potentially antisemitic language.