Abdul El-Sayed vs. Mike Rogers

Abdul El-Sayed

Mike Rogers

Abdul El-Sayed

• B.S. in biology and political science, University of Michigan (2007)

  Sources (2)2 sourcesAbdul El-Sayed ↗ (opens in a new tab)Ballotpedia · ReferenceAbdul El-Sayed ↗ (opens in a new tab)Wikipedia · Reference

• D.Phil. in public health, University of Oxford, as a Rhodes Scholar (2011)

  Sources (2)2 sourcesAbdul El-Sayed ↗ (opens in a new tab)Ballotpedia · ReferenceAbdul El-Sayed ↗ (opens in a new tab)Wikipedia · Reference

• M.D., Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (2014)

  Sources (2)2 sourcesAbdul El-Sayed ↗ (opens in a new tab)Ballotpedia · ReferenceAbdul El-Sayed ↗ (opens in a new tab)Wikipedia · Reference

Mike Rogers

• B.S., Adrian College, Adrian, Michigan (1985)

  Sources (2)2 sourcesROGERS, Mike ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives · ReferenceMike Rogers (Michigan) ↗ (opens in a new tab)Ballotpedia · Reference

Abdul El-Sayed

• Assistant professor of epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health (from 2014)

  Sources (2)2 sourcesAbdul El-Sayed under microscope: His record, from public health to podcasts ↗ (opens in a new tab)Bridge Michigan · Sept. 25, 2026 · NewsAbdul El-Sayed ↗ (opens in a new tab)Wikipedia · Reference

• Host, America Dissected podcast, Crooked Media (2019–2024)

  SourceSourceAbdul El-Sayed under microscope: His record, from public health to podcasts ↗ (opens in a new tab)Bridge Michigan · Sept. 25, 2026 · News

• Member, Biden–Sanders Unity Task Force on health care (2020)

  Sources (2)2 sourcesAbdul El-Sayed ↗ (opens in a new tab)Wikipedia · ReferenceMeet Abdul ↗ (opens in a new tab)Abdul for U.S. Senate · Campaign

Mike Rogers

• Served in the U.S. Army (1985–1989)

  Sources (2)2 sourcesROGERS, Mike ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives · ReferenceMike Rogers (Michigan) ↗ (opens in a new tab)Ballotpedia · Reference

• Special agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Chicago office (1989–1994)

  Sources (3)3 sourcesROGERS, Mike ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives · ReferenceMike Rogers (Michigan politician) ↗ (opens in a new tab)Wikipedia · ReferenceMike Rogers for Senate ↗ (opens in a new tab)Rogers for Senate · Campaign

• Majority floor leader, Michigan Senate (1999–2000)

  SourceSourceROGERS, Mike ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives · Reference

• Chair, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (2011–2015)

  Sources (2)2 sourcesROGERS, Mike ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives · ReferenceMike Rogers (Michigan politician) ↗ (opens in a new tab)Wikipedia · Reference

• Television commentator and cybersecurity consultant to companies including AT&T and Nokia (after 2015)

  Sources (2)2 sourcesMike Rogers wants a job in the US Senate. What’d he do in the House? ↗ (opens in a new tab)Bridge Michigan · Sept. 22, 2026 · NewsMike Rogers (Michigan politician) ↗ (opens in a new tab)Wikipedia · Reference

Abdul El-Sayed

• Executive Director and Health Officer, Detroit Health Department

  2015–2017 · Appointed

  Sources (2)2 sourcesAbdul El-Sayed under microscope: His record, from public health to podcasts ↗ (opens in a new tab)Bridge Michigan · Sept. 25, 2026 · NewsAbdul El-Sayed ↗ (opens in a new tab)Ballotpedia · Reference

• Director, Wayne County Department of Health, Human and Veterans Services, and Wayne County Health Officer

  2023–2025 · Appointed

  Sources (3)3 sourcesMeet the candidates: Abdul El-Sayed ↗ (opens in a new tab)WLNS 6 News · July 16, 2026 · NewsAbdul El-Sayed ↗ (opens in a new tab)Wikipedia · ReferenceAbdul El-Sayed announces campaign for U.S. Senate seat from Michigan ↗ (opens in a new tab)CBS Detroit · April 17, 2025 · News

Mike Rogers

• Member, Michigan Senate (District 26)

  1995–2000 · Elected

  Sources (2)2 sourcesROGERS, Mike ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives · ReferenceMike Rogers (Michigan) ↗ (opens in a new tab)Ballotpedia · Reference

• U.S. Representative, Michigan's 8th Congressional District

  2001–2015 · Elected

  Sources (2)2 sourcesROGERS, Mike ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives · ReferenceMike Rogers (Michigan) ↗ (opens in a new tab)Ballotpedia · Reference

Abdul El-Sayed

Mike Rogers

Abdul El-Sayed

Mike Rogers

Abdul El-Sayed

Mike Rogers

Abdul El-Sayed

Mike Rogers

Abdul El-Sayed

Mike Rogers

Abdul El-Sayed

Mike Rogers

Abdul El-Sayed

Mike Rogers

Abdul El-Sayed

Mike Rogers

Abdul El-Sayed

Mike Rogers

Abdul El-Sayed

No legislative record

Mike Rogers

• Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590, 111th Congress)

  Healthcare

  Health care law that created health benefit exchanges, refundable premium tax credits for coverage bought through them, a requirement to maintain minimum essential coverage and expanded Medicaid coverage for the lowest-income populations.

  Passed the Senate 60–39 on Dec. 24, 2009; the House agreed to the Senate amendments 219–212 on March 21, 2010; signed into law March 23, 2010 (Public Law 111-148).

  Sources (4)4 sourcesRoll Call 165: H.R. 3590, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, On Motion to Concur in Senate Amendments ↗ (opens in a new tab)Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives · March 21, 2010 · Legislative recordRoll Call Vote 111th Congress - 1st Session, Vote Number 396: On Passage of the Bill H.R. 3590 ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. Senate · Dec. 24, 2009 · Legislative recordH.R. 3590 (ENR), Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. Government Publishing Office (GovInfo) · March 2010 · Legislative recordPublic Law 111-148, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. Government Publishing Office (GovInfo) · March 23, 2010 · Legislative record
  Voted no

  U.S. House · March 21, 2010

  On Motion to Concur in Senate Amendments

  House roll call 165, 2010 ↗ (official record, opens in a new tab)SourceSourceRoll Call 165: H.R. 3590, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, On Motion to Concur in Senate Amendments ↗ (opens in a new tab)Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives · March 21, 2010 · Legislative record

• Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (H.R. 1424, 110th Congress)

  Economy

  Authorized the federal government to purchase and insure certain types of troubled assets to stabilize the economy and financial system, and included energy tax incentives, extensions of expiring tax provisions and individual income tax relief.

  Passed the Senate 74–25 on Oct. 1, 2008; the House agreed to the Senate amendments 263–171 on Oct. 3, 2008; signed into law Oct. 3, 2008 (Public Law 110-343).

  Sources (4)4 sourcesRoll Call 681: H.R. 1424, Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, On Motion to Concur in Senate Amendments ↗ (opens in a new tab)Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives · Oct. 3, 2008 · Legislative recordRoll Call Vote 110th Congress - 2nd Session, Vote Number 213: On Passage of the Bill H.R. 1424 ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. Senate · Oct. 1, 2008 · Legislative recordPublic Law 110-343, Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. Government Publishing Office (GovInfo) · Oct. 3, 2008 · Legislative recordMike Rogers wants a job in the US Senate. What’d he do in the House? ↗ (opens in a new tab)Bridge Michigan · Sept. 22, 2026 · News
  Voted no

  U.S. House · Oct. 3, 2008

  On Motion to Concur in Senate Amendments

  House roll call 681, 2008 ↗ (official record, opens in a new tab)SourceSourceRoll Call 681: H.R. 1424, Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, On Motion to Concur in Senate Amendments ↗ (opens in a new tab)Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives · Oct. 3, 2008 · Legislative record

• Secure Fence Act of 2006 (H.R. 6061, 109th Congress)

  Immigration

  Directed the Secretary of Homeland Security to achieve operational control over the international land and maritime borders of the United States through surveillance and physical infrastructure, and required at least two layers of reinforced fencing, additional barriers, roads, lighting, cameras and sensors along specified stretches of the southern border.

  Passed the House 283–138 on Sept. 14, 2006; passed the Senate Sept. 29, 2006; signed into law Oct. 26, 2006 (Public Law 109-367).

  Sources (3)3 sourcesRoll Call 446: H.R. 6061, Secure Fence Act of 2006, On Passage ↗ (opens in a new tab)Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives · Sept. 14, 2006 · Legislative recordPublic Law 109-367, Secure Fence Act of 2006 ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. Government Publishing Office (GovInfo) · Oct. 26, 2006 · Legislative recordPublic Law 109-367 (120 Stat. 2638), Secure Fence Act of 2006 ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. Government Publishing Office (GovInfo) · Oct. 26, 2006 · Legislative record
  Voted yes

  U.S. House · Sept. 14, 2006

  On Passage

  House roll call 446, 2006 ↗ (official record, opens in a new tab)SourceSourceRoll Call 446: H.R. 6061, Secure Fence Act of 2006, On Passage ↗ (opens in a new tab)Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives · Sept. 14, 2006 · Legislative record

• Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R. 1797, 113th Congress)

  Abortion

  As passed by the House, would have prohibited abortions when the probable post-fertilization age is 20 weeks or more, except to save the life of a pregnant woman endangered by a physical condition and for pregnancies resulting from rape, or from incest against a minor, if reported to authorities.

  Passed the House 228–196 on June 18, 2013; referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee and not passed by the Senate.

  Sources (2)2 sourcesRoll Call 251: H.R. 1797, Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, On Passage ↗ (opens in a new tab)Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives · June 18, 2013 · Legislative recordPain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R. 1797, 113th Congress): bill status ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. Government Publishing Office (GovInfo) · June 18, 2013 · Legislative record
  Voted yes

  U.S. House · June 18, 2013

  On Passage

  House roll call 251, 2013 ↗ (official record, opens in a new tab)SourceSourceRoll Call 251: H.R. 1797, Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, On Passage ↗ (opens in a new tab)Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives · June 18, 2013 · Legislative record

• Bonior amendment to the Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill for FY 2002 (H.R. 2311, 107th Congress)

  Water

  Barred the use of funds in the bill to issue any permit, lease, license, approval or right-of-way for drilling to extract or explore for oil or gas from the land beneath the Great Lakes, Lake St. Clair and their connecting rivers.

  Agreed to 265–157 on June 28, 2001; the House passed the bill 405–15 the same day. In the enacted law (Public Law 107-66, Nov. 12, 2001), Sec. 503 directed the Secretary of the Army to study the environmental effects of oil and gas drilling in the Great Lakes and provided that during fiscal years 2002 and 2003 no federal or state permit or lease would be issued for new oil and gas slant, directional or offshore drilling in or under the Great Lakes.

  Sources (5)5 sourcesRoll Call 203: H.R. 2311, Bonior of Michigan Amendment, On Agreeing to the Amendment ↗ (opens in a new tab)Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives · June 28, 2001 · Legislative recordCongressional Record, June 28, 2001 ↗ (opens in a new tab)Library of Congress (Congress.gov) · June 28, 2001 · Legislative recordCongressional Record — House, June 27, 2001, page H3679 (Energy and Water Development Appropriations debate) ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. Government Publishing Office (GovInfo) · June 27, 2001 · Legislative recordRoll Call 206: H.R. 2311, Energy and Water Development Appropriations for FY 2002, On Passage ↗ (opens in a new tab)Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives · June 28, 2001 · Legislative recordPublic Law 107-66, Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2002 ↗ (opens in a new tab)Library of Congress (Congress.gov) · Nov. 12, 2001 · Legislative record
  Voted no

  U.S. House · June 28, 2001

  On Agreeing to the Amendment

  House roll call 203, 2001 ↗ (official record, opens in a new tab)SourceSourceRoll Call 203: H.R. 2311, Bonior of Michigan Amendment, On Agreeing to the Amendment ↗ (opens in a new tab)Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives · June 28, 2001 · Legislative record

Abdul El-Sayed

• Wayne County medical debt relief program

  InitiativeDocumented2024

  As Wayne County health director, launched a 2024 partnership with the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt to buy and cancel residents' medical debt, with a goal of up to $700 million for 300,000 residents. Bridge Michigan reported in September 2026 that the program had cleared more than $95 million for more than 100,000 residents, short of that goal.

  Sources (3)3 sourcesAbdul El-Sayed under microscope: His record, from public health to podcasts ↗ (opens in a new tab)Bridge Michigan · Sept. 25, 2026 · NewsFact check: Abdul El-Sayed overstates claim he erased $700M in medical debt ↗ (opens in a new tab)Bridge Michigan · June 25, 2026 · NewsWayne County wipes out $27 million in medical debt for 46,000 residents ↗ (opens in a new tab)CBS Detroit · Dec. 18, 2024 · News

• Lead testing and prevention in Detroit

  PolicyDocumented2016

  As Detroit health director, pushed to test all city schools and early childhood centers for lead in water, increased lead testing among children and created the city's Lead Safe Coalition; in 2016 the department reported a decrease in elevated lead levels among children under 6.

  Sources (2)2 sourcesAbdul El-Sayed under microscope: His record, from public health to podcasts ↗ (opens in a new tab)Bridge Michigan · Sept. 25, 2026 · NewsFact check: Abdul El-Sayed overstates claim he erased $700M in medical debt ↗ (opens in a new tab)Bridge Michigan · June 25, 2026 · News

• Free naloxone stations in Wayne County

  InitiativeDocumented2024

  While he led the Wayne County health department, the county partnered with Wayne State University's Center for Behavioral Health and Justice to expand free access to naloxone and fentanyl and xylazine test kits; the Well Wayne Stations launched under him in 2024, and Bridge Michigan reported 96 stations and more than 36,000 naloxone (Narcan) kits distributed.

  Sources (2)2 sourcesAbdul El-Sayed under microscope: His record, from public health to podcasts ↗ (opens in a new tab)Bridge Michigan · Sept. 25, 2026 · NewsFact check: Abdul El-Sayed overstates claim he erased $700M in medical debt ↗ (opens in a new tab)Bridge Michigan · June 25, 2026 · News

• Health policy author and adviser

  ProfessionalDocumented

  Co-authored a book on Medicare for All, "Medicare for All: A Citizen's Guide," served on the 2020 Biden–Sanders Unity Task Force on health care, and testified before the U.S. Senate HELP Committee on medical debt on July 11, 2024.

  Sources (4)4 sourcesAbdul El-Sayed under microscope: His record, from public health to podcasts ↗ (opens in a new tab)Bridge Michigan · Sept. 25, 2026 · NewsMeet Abdul ↗ (opens in a new tab)Abdul for U.S. Senate · CampaignAbdul El-Sayed ↗ (opens in a new tab)Wikipedia · ReferenceWhat Can Congress Do to End the Medical Debt Crisis in America? ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions · July 11, 2024 · Legislative record

Mike Rogers

• House Intelligence Committee chairman

  ProfessionalDocumented2011

  Chaired the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence in the 112th and 113th Congresses (2011–2015). In 2012 he led an investigation into the terrorist attack at U.S. government facilities in Benghazi, Libya, which Bridge Michigan says “debunked claims of intelligence failures or ‘stand down’ orders delaying emergency response.” He also introduced the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (H.R. 3523), on sharing cyber threat information between the intelligence community and cybersecurity entities; it passed the House 248–168 on April 26, 2012.

  Sources (4)4 sourcesROGERS, Mike ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives · ReferenceMike Rogers wants a job in the US Senate. What’d he do in the House? ↗ (opens in a new tab)Bridge Michigan · Sept. 22, 2026 · NewsMike Rogers (Michigan politician) ↗ (opens in a new tab)Wikipedia · ReferenceRoll Call 192: H.R. 3523, Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act, On Passage ↗ (opens in a new tab)Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives · April 26, 2012 · Legislative record

• Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act

  LegislationDocumentedMay 29, 2006

  Was the primary sponsor of the Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act (H.R. 5037), which prohibits certain demonstrations at cemeteries under the control of the National Cemetery Administration and at Arlington National Cemetery and provides for punishing violations as misdemeanors; President George W. Bush signed it on May 29, 2006 (Public Law 109-228). Bridge Michigan reports he was the primary sponsor of eight laws in Congress, including three intelligence authorization bills.

  Sources (4)4 sourcesPublic Law 109-228, Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. Government Publishing Office (GovInfo) · May 29, 2006 · Legislative recordPresident Signs H.R. 1499 and H.R. 5037 ↗ (opens in a new tab)The White House (archived) · May 29, 2006 · GovernmentMike Rogers (Michigan politician) ↗ (opens in a new tab)Wikipedia · ReferenceMike Rogers wants a job in the US Senate. What’d he do in the House? ↗ (opens in a new tab)Bridge Michigan · Sept. 22, 2026 · News

• National Pain Care Policy Act

  LegislationDocumented2003

  Introduced the National Pain Care Policy Act in 2003. Bridge Michigan reports the bill began “a decade of advocacy by the Republican lawmaker to boost opioid prescriptions,” and that a 2024 Bridge investigation found he was one of the biggest advocates in Congress of increased access to pain medications, which he said was motivated by his brother's experience with chronic pain.

  Sources (2)2 sourcesMike Rogers wants a job in the US Senate. What’d he do in the House? ↗ (opens in a new tab)Bridge Michigan · Sept. 22, 2026 · NewsMike Rogers (Michigan politician) ↗ (opens in a new tab)Wikipedia · Reference

• 529 college savings plans

  PolicyCandidate’s claim

  Rogers told Bridge Michigan that one of his proudest achievements was successfully advocating for 529 plans to allow tax-free savings for college, an idea he had promoted as a Michigan state senator.

  SourceSourceMike Rogers wants a job in the US Senate. What’d he do in the House? ↗ (opens in a new tab)Bridge Michigan · Sept. 22, 2026 · News

Abdul El-Sayed

• Medicare for All

  “I literally wrote the book on Medicare for All because healthcare is a human right, not a privilege.

• Israel and the war with Iran

  “I don’t want to be pushed into war by Israel, and I don’t want to be in war with Iran

• Energy costs and clean energy

  “I’ll end fossil fuel subsidies, invest in a modern grid powered by 100% clean energy, and guarantee affordable water for all.

• Taxes

  “I’ll deliver tax relief for working people and make the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share.

Mike Rogers

• Health care costs

  “I just can’t think of a more important issue to the people of Michigan than healthcare and their rising costs. How do we get to the bottom of this? The way we don’t do it is blow up the system that we have. We fix the system that we have.

• Tariffs and trade with Canada

  “Canada still has some high tariffs for U.S. goods, and they did it before they started. Those should be eliminated. There are tariffs that I think are too high and not helpful for us. We ought to get rid of those. So this is about getting the best deal possible. I’d like to see it end.

• War with Iran

  “I think the best option now is to wind it down. There’s still other things you can do to make sure that they can’t hurt their neighbors and can’t pursue a nuclear weapon.

• Gas taxes

  “That’s why I’m calling for a suspension of both the state and federal gas tax–because hardworking Michiganders deserve relief at the pump.