Five Republican candidates for Michigan’s open Senate seat met on a debate stage Wednesday, trading sharp attacks over loyalty to President Trump and to the country.
Abdul El-Sayed accused Mike Rogers of excessive devotion to President Trump. Rogers countered that El-Sayed showed insufficient loyalty to the United States.
The exchange marked the sharpest moment of the night, yet the tone stayed more cordial than their previous meeting.
Rogers, a former congressman, framed the race as a test of allegiance. He argued that voters want a senator aligned with the president’s agenda.
El-Sayed, a former public health official, rejected that framing. He said loyalty to the Constitution matters more than loyalty to any single leader.
The debate also touched on pocketbook issues, including auto jobs and trade policy. Candidates offered competing visions for Michigan’s manufacturing base.
With the primary approaching, the contest remains unsettled. Wednesday’s debate showed a field still searching for a clear front-runner.
