Stevens backs Rogers in Michigan Senate race
The former Democratic primary candidate announced her support for the Republican contender 48 hours before the general election.
By Marco Whitaker ·
Rep. Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Mike Rogers for the U.S. Senate on Sunday, less than 48 hours before the general election. The move surprised party officials in Michigan, where the seat has been held by Democrats for decades. Stevens made the announcement after attending a church service with Rogers in a community north of Detroit.
The endorsement followed a breakdown in relations with the Democratic nominee, Abdul El-Sayed. Stevens said in a video that El-Sayed told her she was no longer welcome in his campaign. She added that he should stay away, a decision that led her top aide to resign. Stevens stated that she was being honest with voters and that the decision relieved a heavy burden on her.
Tensions between the two Democrats have existed since the August primary. Stevens supports Israel, while El-Sayed is a vocal critic of the U.S. ally. El-Sayed has also faced scrutiny for past comments regarding a synagogue attack in Michigan and for appearing with streamer Hasan Piker. The party hoped a joint church event on Sunday would show unity, but Stevens instead worshipped with Rogers while El-Sayed campaigned elsewhere.
State Democratic Chair Curtis Hertel said Stevens had abandoned the party's principles. He wrote that he rejected attempts to divide the party and that Stevens is not a current member of the Michigan Democratic Party. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer called the move a despicable betrayal in a social media post. Rep. Debbie Dingell, who disinvited Stevens to the joint event, described the decision as a painful sight to watch.
The race determines control of the Senate for the final two years of President Donald Trump's term. Trump praised Stevens on Truth Social, calling her a highly respected Democrat who showed bravery. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he spoke with Stevens and encouraged her to stay safe. The Republican National Committee told Democrats who feel abandoned by El-Sayed that they have a home with Rogers.
More than 1.8 million Michigan voters had already cast ballots as of Friday. Early voting began on Oct. 24. El-Sayed dismissed the endorsement on Sunday, saying he was focused on the cost of living. He told reporters that he did not think about Stevens and that none of the recent drama mattered to the final outcome.
Stevens had previously told The Detroit News that her fiance would vote for Rogers. She later reaffirmed her support for El-Sayed on CNN but urged his campaign to stop the hate. Her chief of staff resigned following the church service, and other staff members are expected to follow. The seat is being vacated by retiring Sen. Gary Peters.
