Democratic nominee for US Senate Abdul El-Sayed speaks to the media in the spin room following the US Senate debate against Republican nominee for US Senate Mike Rogers in Southfield, Michigan US, October 21, 2026. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook
Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed mocked his Republican rival after a simple yes-or-no question left the GOP candidate squirming on live television.
During Wednesday's debate on Detroit-area news station WXYZ Channel 7, moderators closed with a lightning round and asked both men whether they support universal background checks for gun purchases. El-Sayed said yes. Former Rep. Mike Rogers, who is endorsed by Trump, couldn't settle on an answer.
"It all depends," Rogers said as moderators pressed him for a yes or no. "That's all we have time for," one moderator stressed.
"In the middle," Rogers responded. "There are different cases for that."
El-Sayed jumped in with a sarcastic jab at his opponent's hedging.
"So dependable!" he said.
Rogers shot back by claiming El-Sayed wants to "ban the Second Amendment," but moderators cut off the exchange to move on to closing statements.
The same rapid-fire round asked the candidates whether they support expanding the U.S. Supreme Court. Rogers gave a flat no. El-Sayed answered, "Yes, but fairly."
In his closing remarks, Rogers warned voters that Michigan "cannot afford" El-Sayed's policies and made a direct appeal to Democrats who backed Rep. Haley Stevens in the primary.
"Well, guess what? You'll have a home with us," Rogers said, adding that he hoped to "earn your vote on November 3rd."
El-Sayed used his own closing to argue that big money has corrupted the political system, and he aimed that charge squarely at the man standing next to him.
"Our politics have been bought off by big corporations, billionaires, special interests, buying and selling politicians in the same way that they bought and sold the person to my left his entire career," El-Sayed said.
He pointed to the rising cost of gas, groceries and medical care, telling viewers, "It just costs too much."
El-Sayed also tied his opponent to the president.
"We need to turn the page on Donald Trump," he said. "But that means we need to stand up to Donald Trump."