Michigan and Kansas Senate candidates clash on Iran war, tariffs and immigration in final debates
Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers traded barbs over Iran policy and Trump's tariffs, while Kansas rivals Roger Marshall and Adam Hamilton sparred over diesel prices and border enforcement.
At a glance
- Michigan candidates El-Sayed and Rogers debated Iran war costs, Trump tariffs on Canada, and immigration enforcement in final Senate debate.
- Kansas Senator Marshall and challenger Hamilton sparred over diesel prices, Russian fuel imports, and ICE raids affecting agriculture.
- Both races could determine Senate control; Republicans hold 53 seats, Democrats 45, with two independents caucusing with Democrats.
Candidates in two pivotal U.S. Senate races held their final debates Wednesday, less than two weeks before the November 3 midterm elections that will determine control of the chamber. Republicans currently hold 53 seats to Democrats' 45, with two independents caucusing with Democrats.
In Michigan, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers clashed over the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, trade policy and immigration. Rogers, a former congressman, called Trump's tariffs a "mixed bag" and questioned levies on Canada given the integrated auto industry. "If it's good for Michigan, I'm going to be for it. If it's bad for Michigan, I'm going to be against it," he said. He also mocked El-Sayed's repeated references to Trump.
El-Sayed tied Rogers to the Iran war, blaming it for soaring fuel and food prices. He cited the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) as a diplomatic success Trump abandoned in 2018. "The consequences of this war are that you are paying nearly $5 in gas," El-Sayed said. AAA data showed Michigan regular gasoline averaging $4.44 per gallon Wednesday, up from $2.92 a year ago; diesel rose from $3.62 to $6.41.
Rogers accused El-Sayed of sharing supporters with groups like Hamas, questioning whether he could obtain a security clearance. El-Sayed called the allegation "shameful." On immigration, Rogers defended ICE operations; El-Sayed said he believes "we don't need ICE" and criticised raids on schools and workplaces.
In Kansas, Republican Senator Roger Marshall and Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton debated diesel prices, which hit $6.32 per gallon this week versus $3.62 a year ago. Marshall blamed Russia's war on Ukraine and voiced reservations about Trump's deal to import Russian diesel, though he said he would support it if it ends the war. Hamilton accused Marshall of selling out Ukraine and blamed the Iran war for price spikes, urging a federal fuel tax suspension.
Both Kansas candidates expressed cautious support for mandatory E-Verify. Hamilton challenged Marshall's past compassion for undocumented patients against his current border stance, citing a preschool teacher arrested in Hutchinson. On Gaza, Hamilton opposed supplying bombs for use in densely populated areas; Marshall called Israel a close ally and said he could not specify circumstances for blocking weapons sales.
Questions and answers
- What did El-Sayed say about the Iran war and gas prices?
- El-Sayed blamed the U.S.-Israel war on Iran for nearly $5 per gallon gas and higher grocery costs, citing Michigan AAA data showing regular gas at $4.44 and diesel at $6.41 per gallon.
- How did Rogers respond to El-Sayed's criticism of Trump?
- Rogers mocked El-Sayed's repeated Trump references as a 'bingo game' and appealed to Democrats who supported his primary opponent Haley Stevens, claiming growing Democratic support for his campaign.
- What was the main disagreement in the Kansas debate over diesel prices?
- Marshall blamed Russia's war on Ukraine and expressed reservations about Trump's Russian diesel deal, while Hamilton blamed the Iran war and called for a federal fuel tax suspension.
