Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens backs Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers, citing party split

Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens announced Sunday that she is backing Republican U.S. Senate hopeful Mike Rogers, ending her support for Democratic nominee Abdul El‑Sayed. Stevens said El‑Sayed told her she was no longer welcome in his campaign and she agreed, posting a video to explain her choice. She stood beside Rogers at a Detroit church for a joint appearance. El‑Sayed did not mention Stevens by name, but warned voters to focus on the 9,999,998 people he says are not talking politics. Stevens had lost the August Democratic primary to El‑Sayed by a narrow margin, despite heavy backing from the Senate Democrats’ campaign arm. Last week she asked El‑Sayed to denounce a controversial ad linking U.S. military aid to Israel with rising grocery prices, calling the ad antisemitic; El‑Sayed replied the ad was not his and disagreed with its message, accusing Stevens of reopening the primary. Rogers praised Stevens on social media, calling her a courageous leader who has shown class since the primary. After their church visit Rogers said the endorsement was about standing against hate and shaping Michigan’s future. Stevens stressed she is not trying to hurt the Democratic Party and called her move a personal decision driven by a refusal to tolerate hate. She added that El‑Sayed closed his campaign by telling her she was unwelcome. Stevens was expected to attend a unity event with El‑Sayed and Rep. Jim Clyburn, but El‑Sayed said he would not distract from campaign issues. Stevens’ fiancé Jason Turkish announced he will vote for Rogers. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the endorsement a “despicable betrayal,” while Rep. Debbie Dingell urged voters to focus on affordable living. Michigan Democratic Party chair Curtis Hertel said Stevens is no longer a party member. President Donald Trump praised Stevens, saying her loyalty is unparalleled and that backing Rogers is a smart move. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he spoke with Stevens after the endorsement and urged her safety. Republican leaders used the split to label El‑Sayed too liberal, with the RNC claiming Michigan politics have shifted. Following the endorsement, Stevens’ longtime chief of staff Justin German resigned, saying the staff is “shocked and heartbroken” and now backs El‑Sayed.

Context

Party endorsements crossing party lines are rare and draw strong reactions. This reflects ongoing tension within Michigan’s Democratic camp ahead of the November election.