In a surprising development just before the election, Michigan Democratic Representative Haley Stevens has endorsed Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers over fellow Democrat Abdul El-Sayed. This move comes after a public rift between Stevens and El-Sayed, exacerbated by controversial campaign ads concerning U.S. policy towards Israel.
The endorsement has sent shockwaves through the Democratic party, leading to resignations from Stevens’ staff and criticism from party leaders. The outcome of this race is seen as pivotal for determining Senate control in the upcoming term.
In a dramatic and unexpected turn of events just days before Election Day, Michigan Democratic U.S. Representative Haley Stevens has thrown her support behind Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers, bypassing the Democratic nominee, Abdul El-Sayed.
The endorsement, announced Sunday, marks a significant departure for Stevens, who lost the Democratic primary to El-Sayed earlier this year and had subsequently backed his campaign. The move comes amid heightened tensions between Stevens and El-Sayed's campaign, reportedly fueled by an advertisement from political action committee Rebellion PAC that linked increased costs to U.S. support for Israel.
Stevens, speaking at a press conference alongside Rogers, acknowledged the potential backlash. "I'm sorry people are upset," she stated. "I understand that." She further elaborated in a video statement on X, "As you may have seen, our Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, Abdul, said I'm no longer welcome in his campaign, and I should stay away, and he's right. And that's why I am endorsing Mike Rogers for the United States Senate today." Stevens also cited her disagreement with controversial political commentator Hasan Piker, who has campaigned with El-Sayed, as another reason for her decision.
El-Sayed, campaigning with prominent Democrats including Rep. Jim Clyburn and Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, downplayed Stevens' endorsement. "I actually don't think about Haley Stevens," he remarked. "There are families that are preparing to send their kids to schools tomorrow that look like they did 50 years ago. They're worried about what they're going to feed their kids for lunch. They're worried that if one of their kids gets sick, they're not going to be able to pay the bills. Those are the things that matter."
The contest for the Michigan Senate seat is crucial, potentially determining control of the Senate in President Donald Trump's final two years in office. The vacancy was created by Democratic Sen. Gary Peters' decision not to seek re-election.
A central issue driving the rift between Stevens and El-Sayed, and a key factor in the primary, has been U.S. support for Israel. Stevens is a strong supporter of Israel, while El-Sayed has described Israel's actions in Gaza following the Hamas terror attacks as genocide. Stevens' fiancé, Jason Turkish, had previously endorsed Rogers, citing concerns over rising antisemitism.
Stevens' endorsement has led to significant repercussions within her own party. Staffers in her congressional office, including her chief of staff of eight years, Justin German, resigned in protest. "We are shocked and heartbroken by Congresswoman Stevens' decision to support Mike Rogers," German stated, speaking on behalf of the team who "wholeheartedly support Abdul El-Sayed for Senate."
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who had endorsed Stevens in the primary, reiterated his support for El-Sayed and condemned Stevens' move as a "despicable betrayal." Michigan Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin and Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel also disavowed Stevens' endorsement. Hertel went as far as to state that Stevens is "not a current member of the Michigan Democratic Party, nor will she be in the future."
Conversely, former President Donald Trump praised Stevens' endorsement on Truth Social, calling her "Highly Respected" and suggesting her support would be impactful, particularly with African American and Jewish voters in Michigan.
The Michigan Senate race remains a critical battleground that could decide the balance of power in Washington.
