Michigan Senate Candidates Plan Two October Debates

5 sourcesUpdated Sep 6, 2026

Michigan U.S. Senate candidates Abdul El-Sayed, a Democrat, and Republican Mike Rogers have agreed to two televised debates before the Nov. 3 election. The first will be held Oct. 8 in Grand Rapids and moderated by WOOD TV8 political reporter Rick Albin, with viewer-submitted questions; the second is scheduled for Oct. 21 in Detroit and will be hosted by WXYZ-TV. Both debates will air statewide and online. El-Sayed has challenged Rogers to participate in additional debates, including a Sept. 15 event proposed by Fox 2 Detroit, but Rogers has not committed to that forum. The race is closely watched because Michigan’s open Senate seat could help determine control of the chamber, and Rogers’ endorsement by President Donald Trump is expected to be a major issue in the contest.

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Sep 1, 2026Sep 6, 2026

Sep 6, 2026Michigan Senate candidates Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers agree to two October televised debates, in Grand Rapids and Detroit, ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
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