Mike Rogers Pledges Made-in-Michigan Jobs, Slams El-Sayed and Stevens

 Mike Rogers is not hiding his playbook. In a recent interview on the John Solomon Reports podcast, the Trump‑endorsed former congressman laid out a blunt, job‑first message for Michigan voters and aimed a steady stream of criticism at both Democratic primary candidates — Abdul El‑Sayed and Rep. Haley Stevens. If you like plain talk about jobs, tariffs, and protecting American workers, Rogers wants you to know he’s the steady hand in this race.

Rogers’ pitch: jobs, tariffs, and a made‑in‑Michigan promise

Rogers made his priorities simple: lower energy costs, defend Michigan auto jobs, fight unfair Chinese competition, rebuild the defense industrial base, and bring skilled trades back to high schools. He praised the “Trump plan” and tariffs as tools that are already helping the auto industry — a line that will play well with autoworkers who remember when our factories mattered most. That message is classic conservative economics: protect American jobs first and stop policies that ship our future overseas.

Policy, not platitudes — a plan for workers

He didn’t just throw out slogans. Rogers talked about real plug‑ins for Michigan’s economy — targeted tariffs that make trade fair and aggressive steps to revive manufacturing. He also stressed career training in high schools so students don’t graduate into a job market that has been hollowed out. Voters who want practical steps to protect autoworkers and defense jobs will hear a clear contrast between that and the Democrats’ abstract promises.

Democrats on deck: socialism scares and candidate squabbles

Rogers used the interview to warn about Abdul El‑Sayed’s ties to the left flank of the party. He pointed to endorsements from Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez and criticized El‑Sayed’s past comments and associations — suggesting voters should be skeptical of someone who, in Rogers’ words, can “weave a pretty good story about why socialism is good for you.” He also raised questions about El‑Sayed’s responses to violent incidents and media allies with extremist remarks — red flags he expects to use in the general election if El‑Sayed wins the primary.

Haley Stevens: establishment pick, vulnerable on jobs

On the other side, Rogers mocked the idea that Stevens is the moderate safe choice. He accused her of backing California EV mandates and being wrapped up in social issues that he says hurt Michigan’s auto base. Democrats have poured tens of millions into the race to prop her up, and Senator Gary Peters has officially endorsed her as the “ready on day one” alternative. That may comfort party leaders, but Rogers argues Michigan voters want results, not Washington hand‑wringing. With the primary approaching, Republicans smell opportunity — and Rogers is running like he means to take it.

 

The real story here is simple: this race will be fought over jobs and who shows they will put Michigan workers first. If Rogers keeps his message sharp and keeps reminding voters that trade policy, energy costs, and skills training matter more than political theater, he will make this seat a top flip target in November. Michigan voters will decide which vision — made‑in‑Michigan prosperity or more national experiments — best fits their future. That’s the choice, and Rogers is betting voters will pick work over words.