WASHINGTON (AP) — The Michigan Senate race is drawing attention not only because of the candidates involved, but because of the voters crossing party lines.

Republican candidate Mike Rogers recently held a press conference in Detroit with supporters who identify as Democrats. Their message was straightforward: They may still call themselves Democrats, but they no longer feel represented by today’s Democratic Party.

Among those speaking was Michigan state Representative Karen Whitsett, who said she was a lifelong Democrat until March, when she decided the party had moved too far away from her values.

Whitsett focused much of her criticism on Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed and his support for eliminating private health insurance in favor of a Medicare for All system.

Her warning was blunt.

“If you enjoy going to the ER now and sitting for six hours,” Whitsett said, “get ready to enjoy that a whole lot longer, because you may be sitting there for six weeks.”

She argued that a government-run system could give officials greater control over where patients receive care, what services are available, and how medical decisions are made.

“You say you don’t want government in your business,” Whitsett said. “Well, the government will be controlling your healthcare. They will control everything.”

From the perspective of Rogers supporters, that is the central issue in this election: whether Michigan families should keep choices in their own hands or place more authority with the government.

Democrats have promised major healthcare fixes before. Obamacare was presented as a solution that would make coverage more affordable and improve access. But many Americans still face high premiums, expensive deductibles, and long waits for care.

So when Democrats now promise that another government-led healthcare plan will solve those problems, skepticism is understandable.

Why should voters believe the latest promise when previous promises failed to deliver?

That concern could be especially important among working-class and Black voters, groups Abdul El-Sayed reportedly struggled to win during the Democratic primary. Whitsett’s appearance with Rogers suggests that some voters are looking beyond traditional party labels and focusing instead on issues such as healthcare, government control, and personal choice.

And Whitsett is not the only Democrat supporting Rogers.

Fox 2 Detroit anchor Roop Raj recently observed that Rogers is actively courting Black voters and Democrats who remain undecided about the November election. Raj noted that signs reading “Democrats for Rogers” are appearing online and in neighborhoods across the state.

Of course, lawn signs do not determine election results. But in a close race, they can reveal energy, organization, and enthusiasm.

For Rogers supporters—including many Republicans and former Democrats—the message is that this election is not simply about party loyalty. It is about common sense, individual freedom, and resisting the expansion of government into everyday life.

And if Democrats continue losing voters who once supported them for generations, those voters could become decisive when Michigan goes to the polls.