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Michigan Senate race splits Arab and Jewish communities

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Janelle Dumalaon in Michigan
October 25, 2026

In Michigan, the Senate race between Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers is pulling Arab and Jewish communities in different directions.

Michigan's race for the US Senate between Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers is exposing deep divisions within the state's Arab and Jewish communities.

Many Arab voters who backed Donald Trump in 2024 as a rebuke to the Biden administration's Israel policies have long since reconsidered their vote and are rallying behind El-Sayed. Others are backing Rogers.

El-Sayed's criticism of Israel and comments called insensitive by commentators after a synagogue attack have upset some Jewish voters.

As the closely fought race becomes a referendum on Trump, debates over Gaza, security, identity and democracy are straining relationships within the religious and ethnic communities, whose small but influential voting blocs could help decide the outcome of the elction.

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