Politics · United States · 2 days ago
Michigan Senate candidates trade personal attacks in first televised debate
Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed faced off in their first televised debate in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Thursday.
They are competing for an open US Senate seat in the November 3 midterm elections.
The debate grew heated, with the candidates trading personal accusations and continuing to argue during a commercial break.
They disagreed over the economy, the war with Iran, US support for Israel and their financial dealings.
Rogers questioned El-Sayed’s views and associations, while El-Sayed said Rogers would support President Donald Trump’s policies and corporate interests.
The race is closely watched because it could help determine which party controls the Senate.
If elected, El-Sayed would become the first Muslim member of the US Senate.
Voters will decide the race on November 3.
Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed traded personal attacks during their first televised debate in Michigan’s closely watched US Senate race.
The hour-long debate in Grand Rapids on Thursday, October 8, included clashes over Iran, Israel, the economy, their finances and their personal backgrounds.
The candidates continued arguing during a commercial break, prompting moderator Rick Albin to remark that he had never seen that happen in 30 years of moderating debates.
The race is considered pivotal to control of the US Senate, with the midterm elections set for November 3.
If elected, El-Sayed would become the first Muslim member of the US Senate.
- Who
- Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, candidates for a US Senate seat in Michigan.
- What
- They traded personal attacks during their first televised debate.
- When
- Thursday, October 8, 2026.
- Where
- At WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
- Why
- The candidates were competing in a closely watched Senate race that could affect control of the Senate.
Mike Rogers
Abdul El-Sayed
US support for Israel
Mike Rogers
Rogers said he supports Israel’s right to exist and defend itself, and said he would change his position if Israel discussed using nuclear weapons.
Abdul El-Sayed
El-Sayed opposed using US tax dollars to fund weapons for other countries and said Israel and Iran had each proved dangerous in their own way.
Iran war
Mike Rogers
Rogers said the war should end quickly.
Abdul El-Sayed
El-Sayed criticized Rogers as likely to support President Donald Trump’s decisions, including on the war.
Personal attacks
Mike Rogers
Rogers questioned El-Sayed’s credentials and alleged connections, including to people who support armed groups.
Abdul El-Sayed
El-Sayed accused Rogers of serving corporate interests and challenged him over his personal wealth and property.
In 30 years of doing debates, I've never seen it continue during the commercial. But it did.
Go ahead and say it. You've been tiptoeing around it the whole time.
We were originally told that the Canadian tariff was going to be settled and settled quickly.
I don't want our tax dollars being used to subsidize war abroad.
Rogers and El-Sayed sparred online and in campaign advertisements.
Rogers said the war with Iran needed to end quickly.
Rogers released an advertisement criticizing President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada.
Rogers and El-Sayed held their first televised debate in Grand Rapids and continued arguing during a commercial break.
The US midterm elections are scheduled.
- Debate venue
- WOOD-TV, Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Debate length
- One hour
- Election date
- November 3, 2026
- Senate seat
- Open because Democratic Senator Gary Peters is retiring
- El-Sayed milestone if elected
- First Muslim member of the US Senate
Sources
El-Sayed and Rogers trade personal attacks in bitter Michigan Senate debate
5 Key Moments From Hostile Michigan Senate Debate Between El-Sayed and Rogers
Rogers and El-Sayed trade personal attacks in first Michigan Senate debate
Takeaways from Michigan Senate debate between Abdul El-Sayed, Mike Rogers
Key takeaways from US Senate debate in Michigan between El-Sayed, Rogers
Michigan Senate debate erupts into personal attacks as Rogers, El-Sayed clash over Israel, Iran and more
Sparks fly as Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers face off in first Michigan Senate debate
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