Michigan Senate Debate: Abdul El-Sayed Appears Alone After Mike Rogers Declines FOX 2 Invitation

The U.S. Senate debate for Michigan’s open seat aired on FOX 2 on September 15 as part of “The Pulse.” Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed participated in studio, taking questions from metro Detroit residents via text and in person. Republican nominee Mike Rogers and his campaign declined the invitation, leaving an open podium on stage.

Rogers Campaign Cites Moderator Bias as Reason for Absence

After 42 days without a response to the debate invitation, the Rogers campaign released a statement Tuesday morning explaining the decision. The campaign pointed to moderator Roop Raj as the primary reason for declining.

“Michiganders deserve to see their candidates engage in a healthy, fair debate — not one compromised by media bias,” said Alyssa Brouillet, communications director in a statement. “Roop Raj has made his position clear, from praising Abdul as ‘brilliant,’ to being celebrated by Hasan Piker as ‘my GOAT,’ and bragging about his political stunts. Mike looks forward to making his case to working families and to making Abdul answer to voters for the conman he is.”

Moderator Roop Raj Responds to Allegations

Raj addressed the campaign’s claims on “Good Day Detroit,” denying any partisan bias and defending the station’s journalistic approach.

“Nothing we do at this station is trying to take a side,” Raj said. “We ask tough questions about Republicans and Democrats each and every night on our political talk show, The Pulse. But as you can imagine, the narrative is the narrative. And for whatever reason, the Rogers camp did not want to do a debate with FOX 2.

“It is rare to cite a moderator as a reason not to want to face an opponent. But that is what we have here this morning.”

Regarding his prior comment describing El-Sayed as “brilliant,” Raj explained the context was about the candidate’s qualifications.

“We were framing a question in that moment where people had questioned whether (El-Sayed) was actually a doctor or not a doctor, whether he was qualified for office or not,” Raj said. “I essentially was saying, look, this is a guy who, by all accounts, is a smart guy. They’re both tremendous political athletes.”

Debate Invitation Timeline and History

FOX 2 and the Michigan Debate Committee sent invitations to both campaigns on August 5, the day after Michigan’s primary election. The El-Sayed campaign agreed to participate the following day. The Rogers campaign initially acknowledged receipt but did not provide a definitive response until the morning of the debate.

FOX 2 maintained an open podium for Rogers throughout the event, and the invitation remains standing. The station employed a similar approach earlier this summer when Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson did not commit to a primary debate.

RNC Weighs In on El-Sayed Candidacy

The Republican National Committee issued a sharp critique of El-Sayed following the debate.

“While we appreciate Abdul taking a break from making thirst trap videos, he should apologize for aligning himself with 9/11 supporters and keeping money tied to terrorist organizations. El-Sayed’s radical, anti-American worldview is completely out of step with Michigan, and he has no business anywhere near the United States Senate.” – RNC Spokesman Hunter Lovell

Future Debate Scheduled

Both campaigns have agreed to a WOOD TV8 debate on October 8 on the west side of the state. A press release from Rogers’ campaign characterized it as the “first debate” of the general election cycle.

Why This Race Matters for Senate Control

Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat is among the most closely watched contests in the 2026 midterm cycle, with implications for which party controls the chamber. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority, meaning Democrats need a net gain of four seats to retake control.

While most 2026 Senate races occur in states President Donald Trump won comfortably in 2024, slipping approval ratings and economic dissatisfaction have created a challenging environment for Republican incumbents and candidates.

Democratic Path to Majority

Democrats initially viewed their path to a majority as defending seats in Michigan, Georgia, and New Hampshire while flipping Republican-held seats in Alaska, Maine, North Carolina, and Ohio. However, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer recently suggested unexpected victories in Iowa and Texas could provide an alternative route.

Michigan’s Political Landscape

The seat is being vacated by retiring Senator Gary Peters. No Republican has won a Senate race in Michigan since 1994. Republicans believe Rogers, who lost the 2024 Senate race to Elissa Slotkin by fewer than 20,000 votes, has an improved opportunity against El-Sayed.

Democrats face unity challenges after El-Sayed, the progressive candidate, narrowly defeated moderate U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens in the August primary.

Key Dates

The general election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Source: This article is based on reporting from WJBK FOX 2, which contacted both campaigns. Background information drawn from previous FOX 2 reporting and The Associated Press.