Michigan Senate race sees intra-Democratic tension as GOP candidate offers to host rival
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Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers said he would welcome Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens to his campaign events after Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed asked her to stay off the trail amid a dispute over an Israel-related ad.
Republican former congressman Mike Rogers, the GOP nominee for the U.S. Senate in Michigan, told reporters he would be open to Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens appearing at his campaign events. Rogers made the comment after reports that Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed had asked Stevens to refrain from joining his campaign trail due to disagreements over her support for Israel and the war in Gaza.
"I don’t want to get in the middle of their party fight right now," Rogers said when asked whether he would invite Stevens.
The dispute stems from a controversial advertisement that links U.S. foreign aid to Israel with domestic cost-of-living concerns, a message that has divided Michigan Democrats. Stevens, who lost to El-Sayed in the primary, has called for a stronger condemnation of the ad.
Rogers also highlighted his outreach to Black voters, meeting with Rev. Dr. Charles Williams II and other community leaders in South Detroit. Williams, who has endorsed El-Sayed, said the meeting was an effort to discuss issues affecting Black residents beyond partisan politics.
The Michigan Senate race is viewed as pivotal for control of the U.S. Senate, with the seat currently held by Republican Gary Peters. Both parties are intensifying their ground operations as early voting continues nationwide.