Mike Rogers hammers Abdul El-Sayed as fake ‘doctor’ who’d be jailed for treating patients during feisty Michigan debate

Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed participated in their first televised debate on October 8, 2026, for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat. The event, hosted by WOOD-TV, was marked by intense personal attacks and frequent interruptions. The candidates clashed over healthcare policy, the conflict in Iran, trade tariffs with Canada, and immigration enforcement. Rogers focused on El-Sayed’s medical credentials and progressive healthcare proposals, while El-Sayed criticized Rogers’ alignment with President Trump and his past support for foreign military interventions and tariffs. The race to succeed retiring Senator Gary Peters remains a statistical tie according to recent polling.

Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed participated in their first televised debate on October 8, 2026, for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat. The event, hosted by WOOD-TV, was marked by intense personal attacks and frequent interruptions. The candidates clashed over healthcare policy, the conflict in Iran, trade tariffs with Canada, and immigration enforcement. Rogers focused on El-Sayed’s medical credentials and progressive healthcare proposals, while El-Sayed criticized Rogers’ alignment with President Trump and his past support for foreign military interventions and tariffs. The race to succeed retiring Senator Gary Peters remains a statistical tie according to recent polling.