Michigan voters make surprising cross-party choices as Rogers, El-Sayed race reaches final hours

Interviews with Michigan voters in the final hours before the midterm elections highlighted cross-party choices in the Senate race between Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed. The accounts illustrate how views of Donald Trump and the candidates’ positions can outweigh party loyalty, in a state that could help determine control of Congress.

Former Democrat Marjorie Mehney said she voted for Rogers but expected El-Sayed to win, citing unexpectedly visible support for him in her Republican-leaning hometown of Petoskey. Lifelong Republican Tom Wright said he chose El-Sayed despite disagreeing with 60% to 70% of his policies, because he opposed Rogers’ association with Trump; he also criticised El-Sayed’s views on Israel and Palestinians. A third voter planned to split his ticket, choosing Rogers for Senate and Democrat Jocelyn Benson for governor.