Rogers attacks El-Sayed’s mother over past charity work in heated Michigan debate

During a televised Michigan U.S. Senate debate, Republican candidate Mike Rogers targeted Democrat Abdul El-Sayed’s mother, Fatten Elkomy, alleging she worked for the Islamic American Relief Agency, a branch of the Islamic African Relief Agency that the Treasury Department designated a Specially Designated Global Terrorist organization in 2004. Rogers framed his question as “going after” the charity, while El-Sayed responded that the attack was meant to shift focus from Rogers’ own record and defended his mother, noting she now serves as a nurse practitioner in Missouri and previously helped orphaned children.

Elkomy was never charged and has denied any terrorist connections. The Michigan race is among the nation’s most competitive Senate contests, with polls showing a narrow margin and both parties viewing it as pivotal for Senate control. Prominent figures such as Barack Obama and Donald Trump are expected to campaign in the state, underscoring the high stakes of personal attacks in a toss-up election.