Abdul El-Sayed will take part in the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance's Agree to Disagree event on September 21, where he may appear alongside Republican Mike Rogers to discuss rural business policy and statewide issues.
Abdul El-Sayed has agreed to participate in a candidate forum hosted by the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance on September 21. The event, called Agree to Disagree, could be the first time both major party candidates appear together in northern Michigan-if Republican Mike Rogers accepts the invitation.
The Chamber Alliance, which represents businesses across the region, announced El-Sayed's acceptance on Thursday. Rogers has not yet responded. The forum is set for 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and will be moderated by Kyle Melinn, editor of MIRS (Michigan Information & Research Service). Political strategists John Sellek of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs and Adrian Hemond of Grassroots Midwest will also provide commentary.
Event details and format
Organizers describe Agree to Disagree as an advocacy event meant to bring statewide candidates and Lansing insiders to northern Michigan for policy discussion. This year's focus is on ideas to support rural small businesses, a sector that continues to face challenges in the area. If Rogers does not attend, El-Sayed will answer questions from the moderator and audience on his own.
Dakota Baker, director of the Chamber Alliance, said the goal is to give both candidates a chance to address issues important to northern Michigan's business community. The invitation to Rogers remains open until the event begins, so he could still join at the last minute. Residents can find more information about regional business programs through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which works with local chambers and municipalities.
Senate race context
The Michigan U.S. Senate seat, soon to be vacated by Gary Peters, is one of the most competitive in the country this year. El-Sayed, a Democrat, and Rogers, a Republican, are both seeking a seat that could affect the balance of power in Washington. The Chamber Alliance's forum is one of the few chances for northern Michigan voters to hear the candidates address local economic issues directly. A Michigan State University survey released September 1 shows El-Sayed currently leading Rogers among registered and likely voters (WLNS report).
Both campaigns have also agreed to two televised debates in October: October 8 in Grand Rapids on WOOD TV8 and October 21 in Detroit on WXYZ-TV. El-Sayed has also accepted a September 15 Detroit debate invitation from Fox 2 Detroit, while Rogers had not responded by the reporting deadline. These forums are expected to cover a range of topics, including issues relevant to Farmington and Farmington Hills, such as small business support and infrastructure, which are often discussed at Farmington City Council meetings.
What residents should know
The forum is open to the public and will take place in northern Michigan on September 21. Residents interested in rural economic policy, small business support, or Michigan's federal representation will have the chance to hear directly from at least one candidate. The Chamber Alliance says the event is meant to be a venue for policy discussion, not campaign theatrics.
Candidate forums like this are a regular part of Michigan elections, especially in areas where voters rarely get direct access to statewide candidates. By inviting both contenders and keeping the invitation open, the Chamber Alliance aims for transparency and public involvement. Whether Rogers attends or not, El-Sayed's participation means northern Michigan's concerns will be addressed publicly, giving voters a clearer idea of each candidate's priorities as November approaches. Residents can keep up with local election updates and public forums through the Oakland County Clerk's office and the Farmington Public Schools board, which regularly post civic calendars and notices.
