In a heated Senate debate in Michigan, former Rep. Mike Rogers and Rep. Elissa Slotkin clashed on issues such as electric vehicle mandates and border security. Rogers criticized mandates related to buying and producing electric vehicles, accusing Slotkin of promoting Chinese technology in America. The two candidates sparred over the issue of EV mandates, with Rogers attempting to tie Slotkin’s support for EVs to President Biden and the Democratic Party. Slotkin countered by arguing that her support for EV technology would ensure Michigan remains competitive in auto manufacturing.
During the debate, Rogers accused Slotkin of “killing the car business” with her support for promoting EVs and voting for EV mandates multiple times. While there is no mandate for Americans to purchase EVs, the Biden administration has pressed emissions standards that could require automakers to sell up to two-thirds of their new vehicles as zero-emissions by 2032. Slotkin expressed openness to rewriting these standards if they would harm U.S. automakers. The candidates also discussed the situation at the southern border, with Slotkin accusing Republicans of using the border as a political issue and not focusing on real solutions, while Rogers blamed Democrats for enabling legal crossings.
The debate also highlighted differing views on abortion, with Slotkin accusing Rogers of supporting anti-abortion legislation and urging voters not to trust him on the issue. Rogers, on the other hand, supported leaving the question of abortion to the voters in each state and promised not to undo Michigan’s decision to make abortion a right in the state. The candidates also disagreed on gun reform, with Slotkin calling for tougher legislation to address gun violence, while Rogers argued that the focus should be on mental health instead of banning guns.
Inflation and the economy were major topics during the debate, with Rogers questioning if voters were better off under Democratic leadership and criticizing Slotkin for voting in line with President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on issues that raised prices. Slotkin highlighted her support for bringing supply chains back to the U.S. to lower prices and criticized Rogers for not supporting efforts to negotiate lower pharmaceutical prices. The Michigan Senate race is closely watched nationally, with Slotkin currently holding a slim lead over Rogers. The race has shifted significantly since previous polling, with Republicans showing optimism and investing millions into Rogers’ campaign for the final stretch of the election.
Overall, the Michigan Senate debate between Rogers and Slotkin touched on a range of issues including electric vehicles, border security, abortion, gun control, inflation, and the economy. The candidates presented differing views on these topics, highlighting the importance of the race in shaping the future of Michigan and potentially determining control of the Senate. With the election approaching, both candidates are making their case to voters and seeking to sway undecided constituents with their policy proposals and visions for the state’s future.
