Michigan GOP Senate Nominee Mike Rogers Courts Democrats, Pushes Data Center Moratorium
Michigan GOP Senate nominee Mike Rogers is advocating for a one-year statewide moratorium on data center construction. He cites concerns over water supply, potential price increases, and the need for a transparent approval process for data centers. This push is part of his broader campaign, which involves courting Democrat voters.
Michigan Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers is campaigning for a one-year statewide moratorium on new data center construction, citing concerns over rapid, unregulated expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure within the state. In a statement Thursday, Rogers emphasized the need for stronger state guardrails to protect Michigan's water supply, prevent price hikes, and ensure a transparent approval process free from financial conflicts of interest. He clarified that while he does not support a federal ban, robust state-level monitoring is essential to prioritize communities.
Rogers is also actively reaching across party lines to gather support from lifelong Democrats. State Representative Karen Whitsett, who represents Detroit, and tax attorney Chelsea Rybak, both Democrats, have publicly backed Rogers over their party's nominee, Abdul El-Sayed. Whitsett expressed concerns about losing access to high-quality healthcare under El-Sayed's proposed "Medicare for all" policy, while Rybak cited El-Sayed's "extreme left beliefs" as reasons for her cross-party support.
Detroit-based Rabbi Asher Lopatin also announced his endorsement of Rogers, urging his congregants to do the same, due to statements made by El-Sayed against Jewish people. Detroit City Councilwoman Mary Waters also met with Rogers and praised his plans for the city, including land use and support for seniors and veterans. Rogers framed his campaign as a welcoming home for all Michiganders who reject extremism and seek unity in the swing state.