Haley Stevens Endorses Mike Rogers, Sparking Controversy in Michigan Senate Race

Rep. Haley Stevens, a Democrat from Michigan, publicly endorsed Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers on Sunday, a significant shift in the competitive Senate race. Stevens announced her decision in a video, stating, "Hey, Michigan, as you may have seen, our Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, Abdul, said that I was no longer welcome in his campaign and that I should stay away. And he’s right, and that’s why I am endorsing Mike Rogers for the United States Senate today."

This endorsement comes after a public disagreement between Stevens and El-Sayed, who had criticized an outside ad that Stevens labeled as antisemitic. In response, El-Sayed accused Stevens of trying to relitigate a primary that concluded three months ago. The conflict raised concerns among Democrats about the potential distraction from the tightly contested race to succeed retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters.

In her endorsement, Stevens emphasized her disapproval of El-Sayed's association with Hasan Piker, stating, "I do not stand with Hasan Piker, who gets trafficked on our college campuses." She maintained her identity as a Democrat, despite her endorsement of a Republican candidate. Following her announcement, Curtis Hertel, chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party, noted that Stevens is no longer a member of the party.

Rogers expressed gratitude for Stevens' support, highlighting the importance of unity against hate. He remarked, "This is more a statement about standing together against hate and the future of this state and this country than it is anything else."

El-Sayed, addressing reporters later, stated he was focused on the broader electorate, saying, "I actually don’t think about Haley Stevens." He emphasized that Michigan deserves better from its government.

President Donald Trump praised Stevens for her endorsement, calling her "brave" and suggesting she might join the Republican Party. Stevens' endorsement has led to resignations within her congressional office, including her chief of staff, who expressed disappointment over her decision. The backlash from Democratic allies has been swift, with various party members criticizing Stevens for her actions, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, who urged voters to support El-Sayed.