Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed released an online video game on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, to criticize his Republican opponent, former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.), for attending a GOP convention in Dallas. The retro-style game, titled "Come Home, Mike," requires players to navigate a cartoon version of Rogers on a yacht from Florida to Michigan.
The campaign tool focuses on Rogers' relocation to Florida after leaving the House of Representatives and his decision to speak at the Republican midterm convention in Texas. While Rogers was scheduled to deliver an address on Thursday evening, the El-Sayed campaign used the game to highlight claims that Rogers is avoiding Michigan. Rogers' campaign responded by stating that "while [El-Sayed] plays games, we’ll keep talking to Michiganders."
The game features roadblocks where players are asked if Rogers will vote to lower prescription drug prices; the "yes" option is non-functional. The gameplay ends by directing the player to the Dallas convention rather than the Michigan finish line. El-Sayed also challenged Rogers to a tackle football game or a debate in Detroit, asserting that the former representative is avoiding the state where he is seeking office.
The 2026 Michigan Senate race occurs as candidates focus on differing issues. El-Sayed has advocated for policies like Medicare for All and tuition-free education, while Rogers' convention appearance comes amid national security themes and mentions of 9/11. The race also serves as a metric for national political trends, including the impact of former President Trump's endorsements and the effectiveness of digital-first campaigning. Ongoing factors in the midterm environment include the war in Iran and shifting approval ratings for national leaders. The midterm elections in November will determine who fills the seat.