Overview
- Rogers’ campaign formally declined to appear at the FOX 2 debate on Tuesday, Sept. 15, saying anchor Roop Raj has shown favoritism toward Democrat Abdul El‑Sayed.
- FOX 2 proceeded with the event and will present El‑Sayed in studio while leaving an open podium available on stage for Rogers.
- The Rogers team pointed to specific examples of Raj’s conduct they say show bias, including public praise for El‑Sayed, social media endorsements by left‑leaning figures, and past debate moderation choices that allowed campaign staff questions.
- Rogers reiterated his commitment to two other general‑election debates on Oct. 8 (WOOD TV8) and Oct. 21 (WXYZ) as his campaign seeks alternative forums and optics.
- The refusal alters debate access in a pivotal, nationally watched race and could affect voter perceptions, outreach to Jewish and Arab‑American communities, and how outside groups spend in the closing weeks before Nov. 3.