Michigan Senate candidates clash over terrorism accusations and foreign policy in televised debate
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Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers sparred in their first televised debate, trading personal attacks and differing on issues such as the Iran-Israel conflict, immigration enforcement, and trade with Canada.
In the first televised debate between Michigan’s leading Senate contenders, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers exchanged pointed accusations as the campaign entered its final month before the November midterm elections.
El-Sayed, a former Wayne County health director, sought to portray Rogers as out of touch with ordinary voters, while Rogers accused El-Sayed of being soft on terrorism and hinted at alleged family ties to a terrorism watch list.
"He can’t condemn a terrorist act that happened on our soil in the state of Michigan," Rogers said, referencing a recent synagogue attack.
"I did condemn it," El-Sayed replied, leading to a rapid back-and-forth.
The debate, moderated by host Rick Albin, was marked by frequent interruptions and personal attacks, including Rogers’ claim that El-Sayed had received campaign contributions from individuals who support extremist groups, and El-Sayed’s challenge for Rogers to state his accusations directly.
Both candidates agreed that the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran should end, but diverged on the United States’ role. El-Sayed blamed the conflict for high gasoline prices and criticized the Trump administration’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz, while Rogers emphasized concerns about Iran’s uranium enrichment program.
On aid to Israel, El-Sayed called for ending U.S. military assistance and redirected spending to domestic priorities such as education and healthcare. Rogers defended continued aid, stating Israel has a right to defend itself, though he said support would wane if Israel pursued nuclear weapons.
Regarding immigration enforcement, Rogers said recent mass-deportation raids were “not appropriate” and should be conducted more quietly, while El-Sayed reiterated his support for abolishing ICE, describing the agency as “terrorising our streets.”
Trade with Canada also featured in the discussion. El-Sayed linked Rogers to past free-trade policies, while Rogers expressed interest in a deal that would reduce Canadian tariffs on U.S. goods.
The contest is viewed as pivotal for control of the U.S. Senate, with Democrats aiming to flip the chamber amid a narrow national balance.