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Rogers Skips FOX 2 Debate Over Alleged Bias

By Drooid · Sep 16, 2026, 6:10 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Mike Rogers Skips Debate

Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers skipped the FOX 2 debate in Michigan because he said the moderator was biased.
Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed called Rogers a coward and highlighted his empty podium.
El-Sayed used the debate to push Medicare for all and oppose unconditional military aid.
Fox 2 said Rogers could still appear at future debates hosted by other media outlets.

Summary

Gary Peters Retires

The Michigan Senate seat could shift the 53-47 majority, forcing Democrats to gain four seats.
No Republican has won a Michigan U.S. Senate race since 1994.
Sen. Gary Peters (D) is retiring, creating Michigan’s first open Senate race since 1994.
Rogers lost the 2024 Senate race to Rep. Elissa Slotkin by fewer than 20,000 votes.
Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said wins in Iowa and Texas could offer other paths to Senate control.

History

Historical Context

Spencer Abraham’s 1994 victory—Michigan’s first Republican Senate win since 1972 and the last as of 2026—helped fuel the Republican Revolution that seized Senate control that November. The win opened a Class I seat not held by a Republican since 1952, illustrating how open races can swing tightly. Today’s contest between Mike Rogers and Abdul El-Sayed echoes that narrow-margin precedent.

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Mike Rogers Skips Debate

Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers skipped the FOX 2 debate in Michigan because he said the moderator was biased.
Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed called Rogers a coward and highlighted his empty podium.
El-Sayed used the debate to push Medicare for all and oppose unconditional military aid.
Fox 2 said Rogers could still appear at future debates hosted by other media outlets.

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