First Michigan Senate Debate

Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed faced off in an hourlong debate Thursday in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Iran War and Gas Prices

El-Sayed blamed the war in Iran for high gas prices, while Rogers said he wants the conflict to end swiftly.

Gas Tax Pause Debate

Both candidates supported pausing the federal gas tax, but El-Sayed accused Rogers of cheer-leading Canadian tariffs.

Tariff Policy Clash

Rogers criticized El-Sayed's support for 'Medicare for All' and claimed it would raise taxes and gas prices.

Rogers' Tariff Stance

Rogers said he called the White House to negotiate with Canada over tariffs, claiming they should be eliminated.

El-Sayed's Tariff Response

El-Sayed countered that Rogers' flip-flopping on tariffs is due to sagging poll numbers, not policy concerns.

Immigration Policy Differences

Rogers defended federal raids in Minneapolis, while El-Sayed called for abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Israel-Iran Threats

El-Sayed refused to name Israel or Iran as the bigger threat to the U.S., saying the U.S. should focus on domestic issues.

Personal Attacks

Rogers mocked El-Sayed's height, while El-Sayed challenged Rogers to a 'no pads' football game.

Ethnicity and Faith Focus

Republicans emphasized El-Sayed's ethnicity and Muslim faith to paint him as an extremist.

Trump's Comments on El-Sayed

Trump referred to El-Sayed as 'Mohammed' on Truth Social, describing him as someone who 'goes back to the days of the Jihad'.

El-Sayed's Gas Tank Comment

El-Sayed said, 'I don’t feel like I’m winning. I don’t feel like our country is winning.'

“I don’t feel like I’m winning. I don. t feel like our country is winning.”

Rogers' 'Con' Accusation

Rogers called El-Sayed a 'con man' who is selling the best con he has ever seen.

“Listen to this guy and what he’s trying to sell here today. You’re going to find out that this guy is not what he says he is. He is actually selling the best con i think i’ve ever seen.”