Michigan Congresswoman Endorses Republican, Exposing Democrat Infighting Ahead of Election
Select a version of the text written from a presumed ideological perspective. This is not the original text, but a hypothetical version — how someone with that viewpoint might have phrased it. Tapping the current version again will return to the original or select cleaned version.
Haley Stevens, a Michigan Democrat and former Senate primary opponent of Abdul-El-Sayed, has endorsed Republican Mike Rogers, underscoring the cracks and dysfunction inside the Democratic Party days before the election.
In a surprising move that reveals just how fractured Democrats have become, Haley Stevens, a Michigan Democrat and former opponent of Abdul-El-Sayed in the U.S. Senate primary, endorsed Republican Mike Rogers on Sunday. The endorsement comes just days before a crucial election that could determine control in Congress.
Stevens made her announcement after a church service in Detroit, where she attended alongside Rogers. She said, "Our Democratic nominee for Senate said I was no longer welcome in his campaign and that I should stay away," explaining why she chose to support Rogers, who is backed by President Donald Trump. Her endorsement led to the resignation of her top aide and was met with criticism from party officials.
El-Sayed dismissed the endorsement and shifted focus to the issues that matter most to voters, including the high cost of living. He said, "At the end of the day I actually don't think about Haley Stevens," stressing that her decision does not affect his campaign.
Tensions between Stevens and El-Sayed have been growing since the primary, especially over differences on Israel. Stevens, a strong supporter of Israel, faced backlash for her past remarks and associations, while El-Sayed has been criticized for his comments about a synagogue attack in Michigan.
Democratic leaders expressed dismay at Stevens' endorsement, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer calling it a "despicable betrayal." Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel said Stevens has abandoned her party values. Even so, party officials say they remain united behind El-Sayed as they head toward the election.
As early voting continues, the Democratic coalition is concerned about turnout among key voter groups, especially in Detroit, where Stevens previously had significant support. The primary race was marked by intense rivalry, with both candidates trading personal attacks and outside groups investing heavily in the campaign. Stevens had previously pledged to support El-Sayed after the primary but has now switched her allegiance to Rogers, deepening the division within the party.