Michigan Republicans brought their closing campaign arguments to Rochester Hills on Monday night, gathering for a rally as Senate candidate Mike Rogers finished his bus tour. Rogers appeared with Republican candidates from across the ballot as they made their final appeals to voters ahead of Tuesday's election.
Facing Democrat Abdul El-Sayed in a tight Senate contest, Rogers sounded confident about his chances. He told the crowd, "We're going to surprise some people." His closing message also emphasized the values he said voters would be deciding on Election Day: "Tomorrow, faith, family and freedom is on the ballot. Let's get this done."
Rogers was the evening's main attraction, but the stage also featured other Republican contenders, including gubernatorial candidate John James. The event gave supporters an opportunity to hear from several candidates at the end of the campaign, with some describing both the stakes of the election and their enthusiasm for Rogers.
Mindy Fernandes, a Rogers supporter from Walled Lake, described the contest as a crucial one for the country. She said she had never seen a race so divided and viewed the choice in stark terms. Russ Shelton, who supports Rogers and lives in Rochester Hills, praised the candidate's character, saying, "The guy is the real deal. He speaks the truth, he tells the truth."
One of the strongest crowd chants of the night was for Democrat Haley Stevens, despite her absence from the rally. Stevens had unexpectedly endorsed Rogers on Sunday. Her decision became a focus of the gathering, and supporters said it provided additional momentum as the campaign approached Election Day.
Discussing the endorsement, Rogers acknowledged that Stevens likely disagreed with him on many policy matters. He presented their shared love of the country as more important than their party affiliations. Shelton welcomed her support, saying he wished the endorsement had come sooner but gave Stevens credit for making it.
Shelton still expected a very close result. However, he said hearing Rogers and the other candidates speak had made him feel more optimistic, and he praised the energy in the room. Fernandes likewise expressed excitement about the gathering and confidence heading into the vote.
With his bus tour complete and the Monday night rally concluded, Rogers planned to cast his ballot Tuesday morning.
