Michigan Democrat Haley Stevens Endorses GOP's Mike Rogers in Senate Race

U.S. Representative Haley Stevens stunned party officials on Sunday by endorsing Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan's tightly contested U.S. Senate race, just days before the election that could determine the balance of power in Washington. Stevens, a Democrat, broke ranks with her party following a public feud with her former primary opponent, Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed, who defeated her by a slim margin in the August primary.

The unexpected endorsement followed a dispute that led to Stevens being disinvited from a joint campaign event in Detroit. El-Sayed told reporters that he informed Stevens she was no longer welcome in his campaign and that she should stay away. In a video announcing her decision, Stevens cited that exclusion, stating that the Democratic nominee was right to keep her away and that she was endorsing Rogers instead. Her announcement prompted her longtime chief of staff, Justin German, and other members of her team to resign in protest.

Tensions between the two Democrats have persisted since their bitter primary campaign. Stevens is a strong supporter of Israel, whereas El-Sayed has been a vocal critic of the U.S. ally. The rift widened further late last week after Stevens publicly demanded that El-Sayed condemn an independent left-wing group's campaign advertisement linking U.S. military aid to Israel to high grocery prices. El-Sayed dismissed the controversy, stating that the ad was not produced by his campaign and that he disagreed with its contents, while accusing Stevens of attempting to relitigate a concluded primary.

On Sunday, the deep divisions played out publicly at separate Detroit-area church services. While El-Sayed campaigned a few miles away alongside prominent Democrats including South Carolina Representative James Clyburn and Michigan Representative Debbie Dingell, Stevens attended a service at the Perfecting Church alongside Rogers and his wife. Standing beside Stevens after the service, Rogers told reporters he was honored by her support, while Stevens maintained that she was not turning her back on the Democratic Party as a whole.

Reactions from party leadership were swift and severe. Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel denounced the endorsement, asserting that Stevens had abandoned the causes she claims to care about and warning that the party would not allow last-minute distractions to derail their momentum. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer also condemned the move, labeling it a despicable betrayal. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump praised Stevens on social media, commending her what he called bravery and unprecedented loyalty to the people of Michigan.

The high-stakes race for the Senate seat currently held by retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters is critical to both parties as they vie for control of Congress. With early voting already underway and Election Day fast approaching, both campaigns are making a final push to secure turnout among key voting blocs across the state, including Black and Jewish communities in Wayne and Oakland counties.