Michigan Senate Rivals El-Sayed and Rogers Clash in Final Debate
Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers face off in their final Michigan Senate debate, trading sharp attacks on policy and political loyalties.
POLICY WIRE — Southfield, Michigan — Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed and Republican challenger Mike Rogers faced off Wednesday in their final televised debate, intensifying their efforts to sway voters in one of the nation’s most competitive Senate contests.
The hourlong event at WXYZ Channel 7 marked the beginning of a high-stakes final campaign stretch, with both candidates doubling down on their core strategies. El-Sayed focused on linking his opponent to President Donald Trump, while Rogers characterized his rival’s progressive platform as too extreme for the state of Michigan.
Tensions remained high throughout the evening, particularly when Rogers repeated allegations questioning El-Sayed’s loyalties and potential ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. El-Sayed, who would become the first Muslim senator in U.S. history, dismissed the claims as shameful and reaffirmed his commitment to the American Constitution.
Policy disagreements also took center stage, with Rogers offering a nuanced critique of Trump’s tariffs on Canada, labeling them a mixed bag for the auto industry. Conversely, El-Sayed argued that the president’s foreign policy regarding Iran has directly contributed to rising costs for groceries and gasoline.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
