Michigan Senate race sees Democrat lawmaker endorse Republican amid midterm showdown
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.
Congresswoman Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan's tight Senate contest, prompting criticism from Democratic leaders as the nation heads to the 2026 midterm elections.
The United States will hold its 2026 midterm elections on Tuesday, with control of Congress at stake for the remainder of President Donald Trump’s term. While Republicans currently hold the White House and both chambers of Congress, Democrats aim to regain a majority.
In Michigan, the Senate race has become a focal point. After losing the Democratic primary to Abdul El-Sayed, Congresswoman Haley Stevens announced she would back Republican Mike Rogers. In a video posted to X, Stevens said, "> I don’t belong in Abdul’s campaign. Who we are as Michiganders is not hate and is not what we are getting out from our Democratic nominee right now. That’s why I am endorsing Mike Rogers."
Rogers thanked Stevens, describing her support as "courage" in remarks to reporters. President Trump, speaking at a rally in Iowa, called Stevens "very brave" and said he would welcome her joining the Republican Party.
Democratic leaders reacted sharply. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer labeled the endorsement a "despicable betrayal," and Michigan Democratic Party chair Curtis Hertel posted on X that Stevens is no longer a member of the state party. Several of Stevens’ staff reportedly resigned following her announcement.
El-Sayed, who would become the first Muslim senator if elected, dismissed the endorsement, saying he remains focused on issues affecting Michiganders. The race is viewed as one of the most competitive Senate contests, with the outcome expected to influence which party controls the chamber.
The broader midterms are seen as a referendum on President Trump’s agenda, with voters deciding on congressional representation amid high living costs and ongoing international conflicts.