El-Sayed and Rogers clash over tariffs, education and public safety at second Senate debate

October 23, 2026 - 03:18

With the Nov. 3 midterm election less than two weeks away, U.S. Senate candidates Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers met Wednesday evening for their second debate. The event, hosted by WXYZ Channel 7, came 12 days after the two first faced off.

The candidates traded sharp differences on tariffs, education and public safety during the hour-long exchange. El-Sayed pressed his case that current trade policy has hurt working families and small manufacturers, arguing for a more targeted approach that protects domestic industry without driving up costs for consumers. Rogers countered that steady, predictable tariff pressure is needed to hold foreign competitors accountable and defend American jobs.

On education, the two split over federal funding and local control. El-Sayed called for greater investment in public schools and criticized proposals he said would divert money away from classrooms. Rogers emphasized parental involvement and argued that spending alone has not improved outcomes, pushing for more accountability in how school funds are used.

Public safety produced some of the night's sharpest moments. Rogers accused his opponent of being soft on crime and said communities need consistent support for law enforcement. El-Sayed rejected that characterization, pointing to his proposals for community-based violence prevention and better training for officers.

Both candidates urged supporters to turn out early, with absentee voting already underway across the state. The race remains closely watched as one of the key Senate contests nationwide.