Michigan’s highly contested Senate seat took center stage on Tuesday evening as Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and her Republican challenger Mike Rogers engaged in a heated debate, with both candidates trading accusations of dishonesty and desperation.
The debate, held in Grand Rapids, saw the two contenders clash on several key issues affecting the state, including the shift towards electric vehicles. However, the discussion also took unexpected turns, with Rogers and Slotkin sparring over their respective stances on the Iraq War and allegations of undocumented immigrants misusing disaster relief funds.
Despite Rogers’ strong performance, Slotkin has maintained a narrow but consistent lead in the polls since the general election campaign began in August, thanks in part to her significantly larger campaign war chest.
The Senate seat, left vacant by the retirement of four-term Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), is considered one of the most competitive races in the country, offering Republicans their best opportunity in years to regain control of the seat. The two candidates will face off again next Monday in their second debate, scheduled to take place near Detroit.
