Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers faced off in their second Michigan Senate debate on Wednesday. They clashed over the Iran war, President Donald Trump, and claims about El-Sayed’s family ties.
The debate took place in Detroit less than two weeks before Election Day. The candidates are competing for a Senate seat that will become open when Democratic Sen. Gary Peters retires. Polls showed a close contest between the two candidates.
The debate was calmer than their first meeting earlier this month. Still, the candidates traded sharp remarks on several issues. El-Sayed focused on Rogers’ support for Trump. Rogers questioned El-Sayed’s record and denied several of his claims.
El-Sayed Links Iran War to Rising Costs
El-Sayed argued that the war with Iran was adding to the cost of living. He pointed to higher prices for gas and groceries and said the Senate should act to limit Trump’s power to continue the conflict.
“We need a war powers resolution rather than a senator who is going to stand hip to hip with Donald Trump on this war that made no sense when it started and certainly makes no sense now,” El-Sayed said.
He said he would work with other senators to hold Trump accountable. He also called for action against large corporations, arguing that corporate money had influenced politicians for years.
Rogers has tried to separate himself from Trump’s handling of the war in recent weeks. He released an advertisement calling for the conflict to wind down. Yet he has also defended the initial decision to strike Iran, saying the country’s nuclear program was a valid concern.
Asked in an NBC News interview last week whether Trump had made a mistake by launching the war, Rogers said, “I don’t think so.”
The issue has become a key part of the Senate race. Democrats have criticized the war’s duration and cost. Republicans are trying to defend their control of Congress while addressing voters’ concerns about prices and national security.
Rogers Raises Muslim Brotherhood Claims
Rogers also sought to question El-Sayed’s honesty and professional background. He said his opponent had given voters inaccurate information about his medical experience and alleged links to the Muslim Brotherhood.
The Muslim Brotherhood is an Islamist movement founded in Egypt. Rogers has raised the group’s name several times during the campaign. He has claimed that El-Sayed and members of his family have links to the organization.
During Wednesday’s debate, Rogers alleged that El-Sayed had asked the group’s leader in Egypt to defund the police there.
El-Sayed rejected the accusations. He said he had never been part of the organization and argued that Rogers was using his mother’s background to suggest a connection.
“He keeps raising this question about this association with an organization I’ve never been a part of because of my mom, who’s a nurse in Missouri,” El-Sayed said.
The issue had also surfaced during their first debate. Rogers questioned El-Sayed’s mother, Fatten Elkomy, about her work at a charity that the US government later labeled a supporter of terrorist groups. The charity closed after the case, but Elkomy has not been accused of wrongdoing.
El-Sayed has repeatedly denied any ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. In an interview with NBC News last week, he said, “I have no ties, we have no ties.”
El-Sayed Defends His Loyalty to the Constitution
The dispute grew more heated when El-Sayed accused Rogers of questioning his loyalty to the United States.
“It doesn’t make any sense, and it’s actually really quite beneath you, Mike. It’s really quite beneath you,” El-Sayed said.
As Rogers tried to interrupt, El-Sayed pointed his finger at him and insisted on finishing his answer.
“I’m talking,” El-Sayed said. “I am talking. I’m talking. Excuse me.”
He then said he was proud of America and its Constitution. He argued that the Constitution protects the right of people to pray according to their beliefs.
“I’m proud of America. I’m proud to be an American,” El-Sayed said. He described the question about his loyalty as shameful.
Rogers responded that El-Sayed could pray as he wished. He accused his opponent of trying to present himself as a victim and said the dispute was about ideology.
Final Days Before Election Day
The debate showed how the race has become focused on both national policy and personal trust. El-Sayed has made the Iran war and corporate influence central to his message. Rogers has focused on national security and questions about his opponent’s background.
With Election Day approaching, both candidates are seeking to persuade voters in a closely watched contest. The outcome will help determine who takes the open Senate seat, while the wider election will shape the balance of power in Congress.
