Rogers and El-Sayed Clash Ahead of Michigan Senate Debate

Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed are scheduled to hold their first campaign debate for Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat in Grand Rapids on Thursday night. The event comes as both candidates enter the final weeks of campaigning for the November election, which is part of a national battle for control of the Senate.

The candidates are expected to clash over the U.S. trade war with Canada and the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. Rogers has recently shifted his positions, calling for an end to both conflicts to lower energy costs and protect the economy. President Donald Trump has defended the trade war and dismissed Rogers' stance, suggesting instead that Canada should make a deal.

El-Sayed, who consistently opposes blanket tariffs and the war with Iran, accused Rogers of flip-flopping to please Trump. Meanwhile, Trump has attacked El-Sayed on social media, calling him a "RADICAL Extremist" and "Terrorist Sympathizer." The debate is part of a broader series of battleground contests, with Senate candidates in Georgia and Maine also scheduled to debate on the same evening.