Rogers and El-Sayed clash over border security and economy in final Michigan Senate debate

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- With less than two weeks until Election Day, Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed faced off for their final televised debate Wednesday night, exchanging sharp criticism over border security, the economy and tariffs.  

 The two candidates are competing for Michigan's U.S. Senate seat, with control of the Senate among the stakes in the upcoming midterms election.  

 El-Sayed repeatedly reminded viewers what they hear from Rogers is "MAGA Bingo," while Rogers repeatedly argued his opponent is "Untrustworthy."

 "It all really goes back to the war in Iran," El-Sayed said.  

 "We need a war powers resolution rather than a Senator who is going to stand hip-to-hip with Donald Trump on this war that made no sense when it started. I'm looking forward to standing with my colleagues in the United States Senate to hold Trump accountable for this war."

 When pressing back on the war in Iran and its contributions to inflated prices, Rogers focused on American energy.  

 "Explore American energy and get American energy into the market," he says.  

 "That's going to go a long way in lowering gas prices, diesel prices and other things. I'm going to make permanent tax cuts on overtime and tips and social security."

 On the topic of AI, both candidates agreed for more regulation, but Rogers opted for a "National Security Framework" while El-Sayed pushed for federal government regulation, saying AI is a serious risk.  

 Trade policy was another point of disagreement. El-Sayed argued tariffs have hurt American manufacturers.  

 "Clearly these tariffs have hurt American manufactures [and] American workers," he says.

 "Clearly they have hurt our pocketbooks. He [Rogers] cheer led this. Now he says he was in line with the UAW; I'll tell you the UAW is not in line with this."

 Rogers pushed back, saying "What my opponent is calling for is the largest tax increase in the nation's history."

 With Election Day approaching, both candidates are making their final pitches to Michigan voters as they compete for a seat that could help determine the U.S. Senate balance of power.  

 For the full debate, reference Watch Now: 7 News Detroit