El-Sayed and Rogers spar over Iran and Trump, and toss insults, in Michigan Senate debate
The candidates traded personal attacks as voters heard competing plans on costs, coverage and the Iran war.
- On Thursday, October 8, 2026, Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed clashed in a combative, hourlong debate in Grand Rapids, repeatedly interrupting one another and trading personal attacks over healthcare, tariffs, immigration, Israel, data centers, and the Iran war.
- The confrontation occurs as both candidates compete for the open seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters, with recent polling showing a statistical dead heat in a race critical to Senate control.
- Rogers questioned El-Sayed's medical credentials, saying, "He's not really a doctor," while alleging ties to terrorist groups; El-Sayed countered by attacking Rogers' wealth and criticizing his alignment with President Donald Trump's policies.
- Moderator Rick Albin intervened multiple times to maintain order, noting that the candidates continued arguing even during a commercial break in what he said was unprecedented in 30 years of moderating debates.
- The candidates are scheduled to meet for a second debate on October 21 in Detroit ahead of the November 3 general election, as both intensify efforts to mobilize voters in this closely watched battleground race.
145 Articles
145 Articles
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U.S. Senate candidates Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers went head-to-head in their first debate Thursday evening, as the two fight on the campaign trail to replace Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich. During the debate, which was hosted by WOOD TV8 in Grand Rapids and moderated by political reporter Rick Albin, candidates answered questions about economic policy, […]
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