Rogers' Team of Extremists: A Threat to Michigan's Values and Democracy
US Senate candidate Mike Rogers has assembled a campaign team of extremist pastors, activists, and politicians who have long opposed LGBTQ+ rights and promoted false claims about election fraud. This team is a clear indication that Rogers is more interested in serving the interests of his extreme allies than in representing the values and diversity of Michiganders.
The Faith Coalition Leadership Team, as it's called, includes well-known figures with a history of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and attempts to overturn or undermine past election results. Former Michigan Civil Rights Commissioner Linda Lee Tarver, for example, has repeatedly pushed for an outright rejection of LGBTQ+ rights protections, citing her own religious views. Her public statements have included inflammatory language about LGBTQ+ individuals being "godless" and "satanic."
Similarly, Pastor Lorenzo Sewell has preached that extending civil rights to LGBTQ+ residents undermines Christian teachings and urged his congregants to pray against what he described as an "abomination." Another coalition member, Pastor Brian Ford, has led a church that labels homosexuality as a "sexual perversion" and opposes gay marriage.
Rogers' advisory council also includes individuals who have tried to overturn or delegitimize past election results. State House Rep. Luke Meerman, for example, opposed legislation that would ban Michigan health officials from performing conversion therapy on minors, citing his own anti-LGBTQ+ views.
The campaign downplayed the extreme positions of these coalition members, suggesting that Rogers couldn't possibly know the views of all of them. However, this response rings hollow given the explicit and inflammatory language used by these individuals.
As a result, it's clear that Mike Rogers' campaign is not about serving the values and needs of Michiganders but rather about catering to his extreme allies. The presence of election deniers, conversion therapy advocates, and anti-LGBTQ+ activists on his advisory council is a red flag for anyone concerned about democracy, equality, and human rights.
In a time when residents are already divided, Rogers' decision to surround himself with divisive figures is particularly concerning. His campaign's focus on "faith, family, and freedom" rings hollow when confronted with the hate-filled rhetoric of these coalition members.
As Michiganders prepare to head to the polls in 2026, it's essential that we recognize the dangers posed by Mike Rogers' team of extremists. We must stand against this toxic and divisive politics and demand a better future for our state and nation.
US Senate candidate Mike Rogers has assembled a campaign team of extremist pastors, activists, and politicians who have long opposed LGBTQ+ rights and promoted false claims about election fraud. This team is a clear indication that Rogers is more interested in serving the interests of his extreme allies than in representing the values and diversity of Michiganders.
The Faith Coalition Leadership Team, as it's called, includes well-known figures with a history of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and attempts to overturn or undermine past election results. Former Michigan Civil Rights Commissioner Linda Lee Tarver, for example, has repeatedly pushed for an outright rejection of LGBTQ+ rights protections, citing her own religious views. Her public statements have included inflammatory language about LGBTQ+ individuals being "godless" and "satanic."
Similarly, Pastor Lorenzo Sewell has preached that extending civil rights to LGBTQ+ residents undermines Christian teachings and urged his congregants to pray against what he described as an "abomination." Another coalition member, Pastor Brian Ford, has led a church that labels homosexuality as a "sexual perversion" and opposes gay marriage.
Rogers' advisory council also includes individuals who have tried to overturn or delegitimize past election results. State House Rep. Luke Meerman, for example, opposed legislation that would ban Michigan health officials from performing conversion therapy on minors, citing his own anti-LGBTQ+ views.
The campaign downplayed the extreme positions of these coalition members, suggesting that Rogers couldn't possibly know the views of all of them. However, this response rings hollow given the explicit and inflammatory language used by these individuals.
As a result, it's clear that Mike Rogers' campaign is not about serving the values and needs of Michiganders but rather about catering to his extreme allies. The presence of election deniers, conversion therapy advocates, and anti-LGBTQ+ activists on his advisory council is a red flag for anyone concerned about democracy, equality, and human rights.
In a time when residents are already divided, Rogers' decision to surround himself with divisive figures is particularly concerning. His campaign's focus on "faith, family, and freedom" rings hollow when confronted with the hate-filled rhetoric of these coalition members.
As Michiganders prepare to head to the polls in 2026, it's essential that we recognize the dangers posed by Mike Rogers' team of extremists. We must stand against this toxic and divisive politics and demand a better future for our state and nation.