El-Sayed, Rogers Clash in First Michigan Senate Debate

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Oct. 8, 2026 — Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed met for their first debate in Michigan's open U.S. Senate race Thursday, clashing over gas prices, the war involving Iran and tariffs during an hourlong forum marked by sharp personal jabs, according to NBC News. The debate was hosted by NBC affiliate WOOD-TV of Grand Rapids.

What did the candidates say about gas prices and Iran?

Moderator Rick Albin opened by asking both men whether they would support pausing the federal gas tax given high prices tied to the conflict with Iran. Both said yes, but the question led to a longer back-and-forth over the war itself, NBC News reported. Rogers initially supported the military action and has recently said he wants it to end quickly, according to the outlet.

"I would support pausing the federal gas tax, but there is one thing that is actually causing this: It's the war in Iran, a war that has been cheer-led by my opponent since the beginning," El-Sayed said, according to NBC News. "Called it a 'win, win, win.'"

How did the candidates attack each other personally?

El-Sayed cast Rogers as a loyal follower of President Donald Trump who has shifted positions for political convenience, NBC News reported. Rogers countered by calling El-Sayed a "con man" making promises that cannot be paid for without raising taxes or other costs, according to the network.

The two also sparred over real estate holdings — a home Rogers owns in Florida and property owned by El-Sayed's wife in the United Arab Emirates, NBC News reported.

Why did the moderator step in?

The exchanges grew heated enough that Albin interrupted at one point to ask the candidates to pull back. "I'd like to be a part of the debate, too," he said, according to NBC News.

Why does Michigan's Senate seat matter nationally?

Sen. Gary Peters, a Democrat, is not seeking re-election, leaving the seat open in a state Republicans have not won in a Senate race since 1994, NBC News reported. The outcome could help decide which party controls the chamber. El-Sayed, backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, won a contested Democratic primary against Rep. Haley Stevens, who ran as a more moderate alternative, according to NBC News. Republicans have since worked to portray El-Sayed as an extremist, the network reported.

What to watch

• Whether Rogers continues to frame El-Sayed's economic proposals as unaffordable without tax increases.
• Whether El-Sayed keeps tying Rogers to the administration's Iran policy as gas prices stay in focus.
• How national Democrats, including Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez, continue to engage with El-Sayed's campaign.
• Whether Republicans sustain their push for a first Michigan Senate win since 1994.