Debate Night in Michigan: Rogers, Slotkin to face off at WOOD TV8

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Tonight is debate night in Michigan.

The two candidates vying for the state’s open U.S. Senate seat — former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, a Republican, and U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat — will meet for an hourlong debate at WOOD TV8 at 7 p.m. You can watch it streaming live in this article.

News 8 political reporter Rick Albin will moderate, with anchor Amber Krycka also presenting questions submitted to the candidates by voters like you. Candidates will be asked about the issues affecting your life and your family.

The economy is top of mind for many: A July poll showed more Michiganders ranked it their top concern than any other issue. Last month, News 8 spoke to people who said they were feeling the weight of paying more for food, energy and insurance, among other things. Inflation has been high since the COVID-19 pandemic, but has recently been showing signs of cooling .

“I think you have to do things to the economy,” Rogers told Albin on “To The Point” in July, before the August primary cemented him as the Republican nominee. “One, you have to slow and stop so much wasteful government spending. … In addition, we have to unleash our energy economy here.”

“To me, going after those big chunks in our budget, particularly health care, prescription drugs; housing has become huge for people; child care often left off the table; and then post-secondary education,” Slotkin said on “To The Point” over the summer.

The debate will also simulcast across the country on NewsNation , the national cable news network of WOOD TV8’s corporate owner Nexstar Media, and be carried on stations across Michigan:

An Emerson College Polling survey released in mid-September showed Slotkin leading in that race, with 47% of those surveyed saying they would vote for her and 42% saying they would vote for Rogers. That’s a five-point difference, outside the poll’s margin of error of plus or minus 3.2%. Eleven percent said they were undecided.

Rogers or Slotkin will replace U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, a Democrat from Lansing. She is retiring after holding the seat for 24 years. The outcome of the Nov. 5 election will contribute to which party controls the Senate — other important races are happening in Arizona, Florida, Maryland, Montana, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Michigan’s other U.S. senator, Gary Peters, also a Democrat, is next up for election in 2026. It has been 30 years since a Republican (Stabenow’s predecessor) held a U.S. Senate seat in Michigan.

The general election is Nov. 5. Absentee voting is already underway in Michigan. Early in-person voting — now mandatory in Michigan — must start statewide no later than Oct. 26.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.