GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed are set for their first campaign debate on Thursday, following weeks of exchanges online and through advertisements in Michigan, a state with one of the most closely monitored Senate races in the country.
Rogers, a former congressman who faced no challengers in the August 4 primary, will participate in his first debate since a previous Senate race against Democrat Elissa Slotkin, which he lost by just under 20,000 votes. El-Sayed, a progressive and former public health official, won his nomination by a narrow margin after competing in multiple primary debates against U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, and is now advancing to the general election on November 3.
The debate comes amid a more contentious campaign environment. President Donald Trump criticized El-Sayed in a social media post, referring to him as "Mohammed" and labeling him a "RADICAL Extremist, Terrorist Sympathizer." In response, El-Sayed highlighted that Trump frequently mentions his name, stating, "He's not just attacking me. He's attacking all of us."
El-Sayed has been actively campaigning across the state, despite trailing Rogers in advertising spending nearly 2-to-1. He has utilized various media appearances to challenge Rogers, stating, "We are running to win the race. He's running not to lose the race."
Rogers has participated in fewer public events, while outside groups have invested significantly in advertising for him. His campaign did not provide an opportunity for an interview before the debate. However, he is scheduled to appear with Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., on Friday in Oakland County.
In recent weeks, Rogers has diverged from Trump on key issues, advocating for a swift resolution to the conflict with Iran and criticizing Trump's tariffs on Canada. Meanwhile, El-Sayed is attempting to unify the Democratic coalition that was fractured during the primary and is seeking to attract independent voters and those who previously supported Trump. He is also set to appear with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, marking their first joint appearance since her endorsement of Stevens in the primary.