The first Michigan Senate debate between Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed descended into a heated exchange on Thursday night, as the candidates clashed in Grand Rapids less than a month before the election.
The one-hour event, held at WOOD-TV’s studios, was broadcast across Michigan from 7pm and gave voters a direct comparison between the two contenders for the seat being vacated by retiring Democratic senator Gary Peters.
The debate was moderated by WOOD-TV political reporter Rick Albin, who repeatedly attempted to rein in the candidates as they attacked each other over their records, policies and political allegiances.
Mr El-Sayed accused Mr Rogers of being a “sock puppet” for Donald Trump, while Mr Rogers hit back by calling his opponent a “conman” and accusing him of misrepresenting his record as a doctor.
The candidates also clashed over foreign policy, immigration and the economy. Mr Rogers said the war in Iran needed to end and criticised the administration’s tariff dispute with Canada, while Mr El-Sayed said he did not want American taxpayers’ money used to subsidise war abroad.
Mr Rogers has sought to distance himself from some of the president’s policies in recent weeks, including the tariffs on Canada and immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota. Mr El-Sayed, a former public health official, has faced questions over his stance on military aid to Israel.
The contest is among the most closely watched Senate races in the United States, with Michigan expected to be pivotal in determining which party controls the chamber. Mr Rogers, a former congressman, was the Republican nominee in 2024, while Mr El-Sayed won the Democratic nomination earlier this year after narrowly defeating congresswoman Haley Stevens.
Mr Albin said the candidates continued arguing during a commercial break, telling viewers that in three decades of moderating debates he had never seen such an exchange continue off air.
The candidates are due to meet again for a televised debate in Detroit on October 21, ahead of the November 3 election.
