Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers clash in final Michigan Senate debate
Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers met in their final Michigan Senate forum Wednesday. The broadcast marked the closing confrontation in a race drawing national attention.
El-Sayed tried to connect Rogers to President Donald Trump. Rogers said progressive policies from El-Sayed would prove too extreme for the state.
Campaign stops will quickly follow in Detroit. Former President Barack Obama will rally voters in the city Saturday. Trump will appear there Sunday.
The hourlong event followed an Oct. 8 meeting that dissolved into personal insults. The earlier forum saw candidates argue during a commercial break. Wednesday focused more on policy.
Rogers questioned his opponent about ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, an allegation he and Trump raised previously. El-Sayed has denied any affiliation with the group.
“If you are going to go to the United States Senate, we need to know: Are you for America, or are you for these terrorist groups overseas?” Rogers said.
El-Sayed, who would become the nation’s first Muslim senator, called the questions about his loyalty shameful.
“I’m proud to be an American,” El-Sayed said. “I’m proud of our Constitution that guarantees all of us the right to pray as we choose to pray.”
The rivals also traded jabs over national rhetoric. They traded bingo barbs.
“Those playing MAGA bingo at home, you just heard like three of the buzzwords,” El-Sayed said.
“The bingo game ought to be how many times can he put the word Trump in any answer,” Rogers said.
Economic discussions turned to auto manufacturing and trade. Rogers called Trump tariffs a “mixed bag” and questioned duties on Canada. He cited connections between Canadian and Michigan auto industries.
Rogers defended immigration enforcement and warned about threats from Iran. El-Sayed blamed higher gas and grocery prices on the conflict abroad.
Senate debates allow opposing candidates to present contrasting policies before general elections. Broadcast rules give each participant equal time to respond. Voters cast ballots following these public presentations.
The event concluded the scheduled debates between the candidates for the Michigan seat.
