Michigan Democrat Haley Stevens endorses Republican Mike Rogers, drawing criticism from party leaders

Michigan Democratic congresswoman Haley Stevens announced a last-minute endorsement of Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers, a move that has ignited sharp criticism from leaders of her own party. Stevens, who lost the Democratic primary to Abdul El-Sayed, said she would attend a Rogers event if El-Sayed’s campaign withdrew an advertisement linking the cost of living to U.S. support for Israel. The El-Sayed campaign subsequently disinvited her.

Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer called the endorsement “a despicable betrayal” and said Senate Democrats remain united behind El-Sayed, whom he said will fight for working families. > "Senate Democrats are united in our support for Abdul El-Sayed, because we know he will fight for the economic interests of working families in Michigan, unlike Mike Rogers, who is a tool of Donald Trump and billionaire donors," Schumer posted on social media.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi added that Stevens had “chosen to dangerously betray Michigan families’ healthcare, freedoms and future.” New York mayor Zohran Mamdani wrote that “working class people’s lives are on the ballot on Tuesday” and accused Stevens of betrayal. Michigan Democratic Party chair Curtis Hertel said Stevens is no longer a party member and will not be in the future.

In a video interview, Hertel said, "Obviously there are sour grapes from the election, but there is no reasonable explanation for this. I have known Haley Stevens for a long time, and I know what she has fought for in her career, and this is the antithesis of all of that."

Representative Debbie Dingell emphasized that voters are focused on cost of living, health care and housing, not Stevens’ endorsement. Some Democratic and Jewish leaders also condemned the El-Sayed campaign’s advertisement but did not comment on Stevens.

President Donald Trump praised Stevens on his social platform, describing her as a “highly respected Democrat” and suggesting she might consider joining the Republican Party. > "I’d love her to join the Republican party, actually, I think that could happen maybe. But she showed great and almost unprecedented loyalty to the great people of Michigan," Trump said at a rally in Dubuque, Iowa.