# Rogers skips Michigan Senate event, blames moderator bias

> Republican candidate Mike Rogers refused to attend a televised town hall with Democratic opponent Abdul El-Sayed, claiming he never agreed to it.
- Title: Rogers skips Michigan Senate event, blames moderator bias
- Summary: Republican candidate Mike Rogers refused to attend a televised town hall with Democratic opponent Abdul El-Sayed, claiming he never agreed to it. Rogers is…
- Keywords: mike rogers, abdul el-sayed, michigan, u.s. senate race, 2024 election, republican, democrat, televised event, debate, gary peters seat, news, Rogers
- Source: CBS News — https://cbsnews.com/news/mike-rogers-senate-debate-abdul-el-sayed
- Author: Terrance  Friday
- Published: 2026-09-16T14:34:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mike rogers, abdul el-sayed, michigan, u.s. senate race, 2024 election, republican, democrat, televised event, debate, gary peters seat, news
## Rogers refuses Michigan Senate event
Republican Mike Rogers skipped a September 15 televised town hall with Democratic opponent Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan's U.S. Senate race, saying he never agreed to participate.

> Well, first of all, it's not a debate. It's a town hall. We never agreed to it.
## Rogers accuses station of favoritism
Rogers' campaign released a statement accusing Fox 2 Detroit of bias, suggesting the moderator had already chosen a side. Rogers said you can't have a fair two-on-one event in a TV studio.

> When you have someone who's already picked their candidate, you can't have a two-on-one event in a TV studio.
## El-Sayed says Rogers avoiding confrontation
El-Sayed appeared at the event and said Rogers was dodging questions about tariffs, war costs, and his support for President Trump. He noted Rogers made time for a Republican convention in Dallas.

> If I were him, I wouldn't debate me either.
## Race is toss-up for critical Senate seat
The Michigan Senate race is one of the most closely watched in the country. The University of Virginia rates it a toss-up, and control of the Senate depends on who wins the seat being vacated by retiring Democrat Gary Peters.
## Two debates scheduled for October
Both candidates have agreed to debates on October 8 and October 21 in Michigan. El-Sayed had challenged Rogers to five debates, but Rogers rejected that proposal.

> You're gonna get two debates right here in Michigan.
## Key takeaway

Rogers is skipping a high-profile Michigan Senate event and accusing the station of bias, while El-Sayed says Rogers is dodging tough questions about his record.