Watch WXYZ-TV's Senate debate between Mike Rogers and Abdul El-Sayed on Fox 17
The televised matchup featured sharp exchanges on manufacturing, taxes, immigration and health care as both candidates argued over Michigan’s economy.
- On Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed faced off in a televised U.S. Senate debate in Detroit, clashing over manufacturing job losses, taxes, and auto insurance costs.
- Amid public dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump's economic handling, Rogers argued Democratic control of Congress would worsen the economy, while El-Sayed claimed Rogers stood "hip to hip" with the president on policy.
- In a fiery exchange, Rogers questioned El-Sayed's loyalty by alleging ties to Islamist groups Hamas and Hezbollah, charges El-Sayed denounced as "shameful" attacks on his commitment to the Constitution.
- Attempting to frame his opponent as too far left, Rogers claimed El-Sayed aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America, though El-Sayed rejected this and noted support from New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
- As Election Day nears, Rogers urged voters to reject the Democratic ticket as "extreme," while El-Sayed dismissed Rogers' rhetoric as "MAGA bingo," with both making final pitches before voting.
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11 Articles
El-Sayed’s loyalty to America, Rogers’ loyalty to Trump and other takeaways from Michigan Senate debate
By Stephen Collinson, Gloria Pazmino, CNN (CNN) — The Michigan Senate debate between Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers was bitterly personal and ferociously contested — as befits a contest that could decide the chamber’s majority.Each candidate had a simple task.El-Sayed, the former executive director of the Detroit Health Department, needed to pin
Mike Roger's debate attack on El-Sayed instantly blows up in his face: 'Shameful!
The Michigan Senate debate on Wednesday turned fiery, as Republican Mike Rogers effectively accused Democrat Abdul El-Sayed of dual loyalty to a foreign Islamic group — and El-Sayed turned it right back on him.The exchange came during a question about law enforcement, during which Rogers tried to portray El-Sayed as anti-police."This guy has got new false information about every 30 seconds," said Rogers. "I will tell you this. He did call for de…
Watch WXYZ-TV's Senate debate between Mike Rogers and Abdul El-Sayed on Fox 17
WXYZ-TV is hosting a U.S. Senate debate between Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed. Both candidates have agreed to the debate, which will air on WXYZ and WXMI at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
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