Michigan Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers is facing backlash for claims he made about his auto industry background, as union leaders accuse him of exaggerating his experience on the campaign trail. The battle for the Senate seat, particularly heated against Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed, has brought Rogers’ assertions under scrutiny.

Rogers, who has portrayed himself as a champion of working-class families and an everyman, has repeatedly told voters that he worked on an assembly line building Chrysler LeBarons during his college years at Adrian College between 1981 and 1982. However, that narrative has been emphatically challenged by the United Auto Workers (UAW) union.

An investigation by Michigan Advance revealed that Rogers did not work for one of the Big Three automakers. Instead, his job involved working at Cars & Concepts in Brighton, Michigan, a firm known for custom modifications on vehicles after their assembly line manufacturing was complete.

While Rogers’ team insists that he participated in critical assembly line tasks at Cars & Concepts, such as drilling and riveting parts for Chrysler LeBarons, union leaders argue that this does not qualify as assembly line work in the traditional sense.

Art Reyes II, the former president of UAW Local 651, highlighted the discrepancies in Rogers’ claims, stating, “He never claimed that he worked in an automotive factory when we were lobbying him. He has tried to campaign as a champion of the auto worker when, in fact, he has no concept nor respect for the work that we do.”

The UAW has been vocal about its opposition to Rogers, who has previously supported trade deals detrimental to Michigan autoworkers. The labor organization formally endorsed El-Sayed in June, which further complicates Rogers’ position among working-class voters.

While Cars & Concepts did have assembly-like processes, it primarily converted pre-built vehicles rather than producing them from scratch. Historical references note that the work done there involved modifications, not the standard assembly processes associated with major auto manufacturers.

This distinction has caused tensions between Rogers’ campaign and the UAW. Union representatives have accused him of “stolen valor,” asserting that his claims diminish the experiences and hardships of those who have worked on actual production lines.

In response to this criticism, Rogers’ campaign spokesperson emphasized the validity of his experience and pointed out that many hardworking individuals contribute to the auto industry through smaller, independent suppliers. “When Mike worked at Cars & Concepts, he worked on Chrysler LeBarons,” asserted Communications Director Alyssa Brouillet.

Despite the pushback, Rogers has continued to frame his narrative around working-class values throughout his campaign, including at rallies alongside President Trump, claiming to understand the “blood, sweat and tears” that Michigan’s auto workers endure.

However, critics argue that Rogers’ shifting accounts—recently stating he also built Sebring convertibles—further confuse his message. This particular vehicle would not have been manufactured until 1995, well after Rogers was out of college.

As a seasoned political strategist and former congressman, Rogers has leaned heavily into populist themes. His missteps regarding his automotive background, however, could have significant repercussions in his Senate bid.

The question of authenticity is crucial in this election, with uncorroborated claims risking alienation among the very working-class voters Rogers seeks to align with.

Further complicating matters, Michigan has a storied automotive history that shapes voter sentiment. Many constituents are more than aware of what constitutes factory work due to their personal connections, making Rogers’ inflated claims an even riskier venture.

As political analysts weigh the impact of these revelations on Rogers’ campaign, the UAW’s endorsement of El-Sayed positions him favorably among union members and their supporters.

Election experts suggest that Rogers’ ability to connect authentically with voters will be tested in the coming months. With the general election drawing nearer, how he navigates this controversy may ultimately influence his standing in the race.

As the Senate race heats up, voters will be watching closely to see if Rogers can reconcile his narrative with the realities of the auto industry and the expectations of Michigan families.