Former Rep. Mike Rogers and his Democratic opponent, Abdul El-Sayed, engaged in a heated exchange during their second Michigan Senate debate on Wednesday evening. The Republican and the Democrat, who have defined one of the country's most anticipated Senate races, sparred over foreign policy, political associations, and economic promises. Rogers, a former FBI special agent, accused El-Sayed of aligning with President Donald Trump on the war in Iran. El-Sayed, who described the conflict as "aimless," countered that Rogers supports the war and is closely aligned with the president. He pointed to an upcoming campaign event where Trump is scheduled to appear at Rogers' invitation as evidence of their shared stance.
The debate featured sharp disagreements on security threats. Rogers criticized El-Sayed for refusing to answer whether Israel or Iran poses a greater threat to the United States. Rogers stated that El-Sayed's inability to condemn the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which he identified as Iran's terrorist enforcement arm, was a "nonstarter." The former representative also challenged El-Sayed's past social media activity regarding defunding the police. Rogers claimed El-Sayed deleted content on the topic after the 2020 death of George Floyd and accused him of calling on former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, associated with the Muslim Brotherhood, to defund police in Egypt.
El-Sayed dismissed the accusations as beneath Rogers, though he has faced questions about ties to the Muslim Brotherhood throughout his campaign. While Fox News Digital has not found direct links between El-Sayed and the group, critics have pointed to his role as vice president of the Muslim Students Association (MSA) chapter at the University Michigan in 2007. The MSA is listed in a strategy memorandum for North America written by Mohamed Akram, a member of the Muslim Brotherhood.
Economic policy provided another point of contention. El-Sayed reiterated his campaign promise to put money in voters' pockets and expand programs like Medicaid. Rogers argued these policies would lead to higher taxes and the loss of private health insurance choices. He characterized El-Sayed's platform as lacking substance and predicted it would make life more miserable for voters.
The candidates also clashed on artificial intelligence regulation. El-Sayed said he would support placing democratically appointed individuals on the boards of AI corporations, citing an existential threat to the workforce. Rogers seized on this comment, accusing El-Sayed of advocating for government control of private businesses. Rogers linked this stance to the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), though El-Sayed has not officially received an endorsement from the group or affirmed its platform. He has, however, supported candidates who have received DSA backing, including New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
The debate concluded with disputes over gun control. When asked about universal background checks, Rogers responded that it "all depends." El-Sayed mocked Rogers for avoiding a direct answer. Rogers then cited a 2023 video in which El-Sayed suggested amending the Constitution to replace the right to bear arms with a right to healthcare. El-Sayed argued in that video that only designated community-based groups should be issued firearms. The video has since been made private.
With their scheduled debates concluded, the candidates are unlikely to meet again before the general election on Nov. 3. Following the event, Michigan GOP Chairman Jim Runestad praised Rogers as a steady hand for Michigan. Runestad criticized El-Sayed's policies and referenced his campaign associations with figures like Hasan Piker.