Rogers Skips Debate as Democrats' Path to Senate Control Narrows in Michigan

A tight U.S. Senate race between Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan, with immigration, health care, and a controversial campaign association shaping the contest. - The race: Democrat Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, an epidemiologist and former Detroit health director, faces Republican Mike Rogers, a former longtime congressman, for a retiring Democrat's seat. El-Sayed narrowly beat sitting Rep. Haley Stevens in the primary; a University of Michigan political expert says a normally safe Democratic seat is now a toss-up. - The controversy: El-Sayed campaigned during the primary with Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, who has roughly 3 million followers and has made inflammatory remarks about the U.S. and 9/11. Rogers' campaign has used the association — plus references to El-Sayed's full name, Abdul Rahman Mohammed El-Sayed — in attack ads. El-Sayed says the election isn't about Piker; a University of Michigan expert calls the association his biggest unforced error. - Policy positions: El-Sayed backs government-run health care for all, funded partly through new taxes on billionaires. Rogers positions himself as the safer, more mainstream choice but faces voter frustration over high gas and grocery prices. - The debate: Rogers declined to appear at a scheduled debate, citing format concerns and citing potential moderator bias. El-Sayed answered questions alone. - Why it matters: Democrats need to flip several Senate seats to win control; many say a loss here would make that path far steeper. Sen. John Fetterman's recent Republican-friendly appearances add another wildcard to overall Senate control dynamics.