Louisiana Senator Declares At Barn Party: 'Mike Rogers Pisses Excellence'

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 10/09/2026) (HIGHLAND) – Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers greeted roughly 300 supporters inside an equestrian barn in Highland tonight, defining his campaign as one rooted in "faith, family, and freedom" while casting Democratic opponent Abdul El-Sayed as a socialist whose policies threaten democratic values.

Alongside Rogers, U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) brought his characteristic colorful commentary to offer an unvarnished endorsement of Rogers' political grit.

The Louisiana senator praised Rogers' readiness for the U.S. Senate, exclaiming to the audience that "Mike Rogers pisses excellence."

Kennedy doubled down on his praise for the former congressman's tough negotiating style, adding, "If you get between Mike Rogers and what's best for his state, what's best for Michigan . . . he will eat you up and spit the bones on the floor."

The packed "Barn Party" rally came just one day after Rogers and El-Sayed's first televised Senate debate.

Both speakers criticized El-Sayed and the national progressive wing of the Democratic Party. Kennedy emphasized that his critique was not rooted in hatred, but argued that progressives -- grouping El-Sayed, U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders – represent a radical, socialist direction for the party.

"They're card-carrying members of the Hamas wing of the Democratic Party," Kennedy charged.

Rogers similarly accused El-Sayed of harboring anti-Jewish sentiment while claiming his own campaign was gaining more ground among traditionally Democratic voting blocs, particularly Jewish Democrats and African American voters in Detroit and Pontiac.

When asked about spending by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in Michigan's Senate race, Rogers defended the organization's involvement aimed at defeating El-Sayed.

"He is so anti-Jewish that one mail piece sends him into orbit," Rogers said. "If someone that is Jewish either here or around the country wants to help us beat a guy who hates them, keep the mail coming is what I would argue."

Rogers announced that his field team had knocked on 4.5 million doors statewide, surpassing the original four-million-door target ahead of Election Day.

He also claimed Republicans were performing seven percentage points better than their usual early-ballot returns, describing the figure as evidence of voter enthusiasm rather than a seven-point lead.

Turning to global trade and energy policy, both Republicans condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin and opposed importing Russian diesel fuel, while Rogers also proposed a temporary diesel export ban and an agricultural diesel rebate to ease rising fuel costs for Michigan farmers.

Rogers praised federal tariffs for supporting Michigan's automotive manufacturing and cherry growers. Kennedy also advocated for a more measured approach to cross-border commerce with Canada.

"Tariffs are like whiskey," Kennedy said. "A little bit of whiskey, you know, it's probably pretty good for you to make you feel better. Too much whiskey, you end up drunk as a goat."

Kennedy said he would prefer the United States and Canada eliminate tariffs and trade barriers, allowing businesses on both sides of the border to compete freely.