Mike Rogers defends skipping debate event with Abdul El-Sayed after getting roasted

Republican Mike Rogers has defended his decision to skip a televised event with Democratic opponent Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan’s US Senate race, saying his campaign never agreed to participate.

El-Sayed appeared alone at the September 15 event on FOX 2 Detroit. The station said both candidates were invited on August 5, with El-Sayed accepting the following day.

"Well, first of all, it's not a debate. It's a town hall. We never agreed to it," Rogers told CBS News Detroit.

Rogers also accused the moderator of favouritism.

"I mean, when you have someone who's already picked their candidate, you can't have a two-on-one event in a TV studio," he said.

El-Sayed argued Rogers was avoiding questions about his record, tariffs involving Canada and the costs of war.

"If I were him, I wouldn't debate me either," El-Sayed said after the event.

Rogers rejected suggestions that he had backed out of a commitment.

"We never agreed to it. We never had it on our schedule," he told CBS News Detroit.

Rogers also criticised the station’s decision to leave an empty podium for him, calling it "highly unprofessional."

"You're gonna get two debates right here in Michigan," Rogers said.

Both candidates have agreed to debates on October 8 and October 21.