Mike Rogers Justifies Absence From Michigan Senate Debate

WHO:

CBS News Politics - Republican Mike Rogers and Democratic opponent Abdul El-Sayed are involved in the Michigan U.S. Senate race.

CBS News - The moderator of the event is implied to be biased by Rogers.

WHAT:

CBS News Politics - Mike Rogers skipped a televised town hall event on September 15.

CBS News - El-Sayed participated in the event on FOX 2 Detroit.

CBS News - Rogers' campaign accused the station of favoritism and suggested the moderator had already taken sides.

CBS News - Rogers stated, "You're gonna get two debates right here in Michigan."

CBS News - Both candidates have agreed to debates on October 8 and October 21.

WHERE:

CBS News Politics - The event took place in Michigan.

CBS News - The debates are scheduled to occur in Michigan.

WHEN:

CBS News - The town hall event was on September 15.

CBS News - The debates are scheduled for October 8 and October 21.

WHY:

CBS News - Rogers claimed he never agreed to participate in the event, stating, "We never agreed to it."

CBS News - El-Sayed accused Rogers of avoiding confrontation over his record and support for Trump.

HOW:

CBS News - Rogers criticized the event format, saying, "you can't have a two-on-one event in a TV studio."

CBS News - El-Sayed challenged Rogers to five debates on August 5.

(UPDATED September 16, 2026 19:06 UTC)

In the Michigan U.S. Senate race, Republican Mike Rogers skipped a televised town hall event on September 15, while his Democratic opponent, Abdul El-Sayed, participated in the discussion on FOX 2 Detroit. Rogers's campaign accused the station of favoritism, claiming the moderator had already taken sides, and he stated, "You're gonna get two debates right here in Michigan," with both candidates agreeing to debates on October 8 and October 21. El-Sayed has challenged Rogers to more debates, asserting that Rogers is avoiding confrontation over his record and support for Trump.