Mike Rogers mocks El-Sayed with Dubai chocolates in birthday gift basket amid Michigan Senate race
WASHINGTON, DC: Mike Rogers, the Republican running for Senate in Michigan, sent his Democratic opponent, Abdul El-Sayed, a birthday gift basket packed with chocolates from Dubai.
What started as a light-hearted gesture quickly turned into banter about El-Sayed’s roots and whether he really belongs in Michigan.
When a reporter brought up the basket and pointed out that Rogers had suggested El-Sayed might want to “go back” to Dubai, El-Sayed fired back with a joke.
He suggested Rogers might have connections in Dubai before making it clear that he is from Michigan and had expected something more local, perhaps a gift tied to the state.
Abdul El-Sayed responds to Mike Rogers' birthday gift
Asked about the gift basket, El-Sayed appeared to take the gesture in stride, joking that Rogers might have a connection in Dubai.
Mike Rogers and his wife have a Halloween birthday surprise for Abdul El-Sayed, and each gift comes with a pointed political message. Rogers pulls out a football, referencing El-Sayed's alleged criticism of "toxic masculinity," and fireworks, as the Democrat has criticized their use during the Fourth of July. "Because we love America," Rogers tells the crowd, explaining why Michiganders love celebrating the holiday. Then, a final gift: a small, black, fitted T-shirt.
— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 31, 2026
"He's probably got a connection in Dubai," El-Sayed said.
"I thought maybe he'd give me some, like, you know, some Florida Seminole swag," El-Sayed said.
Mike Rogers mocks Abdul El-Sayed's Michigan ties
At a campaign event in Sterling Heights, Michigan, Rogers handed El-Sayed a mock birthday gift basket and jokingly wished him a happy birthday. El-Sayed's birthday falls on Halloween.
Inside the basket, Rogers included several gifts that doubled as political jabs.
They included Dubai chocolates, a football, a toy Ford pickup truck, and a small black T-shirt.
Each item referenced something specific about El-Sayed, including his past remarks, policy positions, campaign wardrobe, and rumors about properties he owns.
Reporter: Mike Rogers in his gift basket bought you a child size black t-shirt El-Sayed: For one of my children? That’s very kind of him. Reporter: They made a closing argument to Michigan voters today that what was on the ballot was the possibility of socialism El-Sayed: Does everybody under their socialism get like a little black t-shirt?
— Acyn (@Acyn) October 31, 2026
The football poked fun at El-Sayed's past comments about the sport. The toy Ford truck played up Michigan's identity as an automotive hub while doubling as a swipe at the Democrat's economic ideas.
The black T-shirt was an unmistakable nod to El-Sayed's signature campaign look.
The exchange unfolded as Michigan's Senate race entered its final, heated days.
Democratic Senator Gary Peters is retiring, leaving the seat up for grabs. Rogers and El-Sayed have been trading barbs at debates and rallies, with both candidates hoping to win the closely watched contest.
El-Sayed, meanwhile, continued to question Rogers' connection to Michigan by highlighting the Republican's ties to Florida.
The exchange became another round in the candidates' ongoing debate over who knows Michigan best.
Rogers' gift was intended to portray El-Sayed as someone who does not fully understand the state's local culture. El-Sayed used the birthday joke to push back against questions about his identity and place in Michigan.
Although the gift was presented as a playful gesture, the political tension remained high.
With the election scheduled for November 3, both candidates continued campaigning aggressively, seeking to win every last vote across Michigan.
