Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens broke with her party and endorsed Republican Mike Rogers for Michigan’s U.S. Senate seat on November 1st, abandoning the nominee who defeated her in the Democratic primary. The congresswoman announced her decision after appearing with Rogers at a Detroit church. Her endorsement came just two days before voters choose between Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed in the November 3rd election.
Stevens and Rogers attended a service at Perfecting Church as plans for a Democratic unity appearance collapsed. She had been expected to campaign with El-Sayed and South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn, but an escalating dispute over Israel and campaign advertising derailed the arrangement. El-Sayed instead appeared at another Detroit church alongside prominent Democrats while his former primary opponent stood with the Republican candidate.
The candidates are competing for the seat held by retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters, making Michigan a crucial contest in the fight for Senate control. Stevens narrowly lost the August primary to El-Sayed and subsequently endorsed him. Their differences over Israel persisted into the general election, with Stevens criticizing his rhetoric and his appearances with controversial political streamer Hasan Piker.
In her announcement, Stevens emphasized that the endorsement didn’t mean she was abandoning her Democratic identity. As MLive reported, she said, “I’m still a very proud Democrat,” adding, “I still very much believe in everything I voted for and said.” Her announcement followed El-Sayed’s declaration the previous day that he wanted to avoid distractions at his remaining campaign events.
Rogers said Stevens called him Sunday morning and the two arranged to attend church together, CBS News reported. They discussed Michigan’s future, and Stevens reminded him that she remained a Democrat. She also said her earlier endorsement of El-Sayed had been sincere. Explaining what changed, Stevens said, “He chose to close his campaign by saying I wasn’t welcome.” Rogers told reporters he was honored by her support.
The immediate dispute involved an outside group’s advertisement linking American support for Israel to grocery costs. According to The Guardian, which reported on the breakdown, Stevens had conditioned her planned appearance with El-Sayed on his denunciation of the advertisement. Rep. Debbie Dingell said she ultimately told Stevens the joint appearance wasn’t working. Stevens’ fiancé, Democratic donor Jason Turkish, had already announced his support for Rogers.
Watch Stevens’ endorsement here:
"*" indicates required fields
Stevens also criticized El-Sayed’s association with Piker in her endorsement video, The Washington Post reported. She said she didn’t belong in El-Sayed’s campaign after being told to stay away. “He’s right, and that’s why I am endorsing Mike Rogers,” Stevens said. Before his separate church appearance, El-Sayed dismissed questions about her and argued that voters concerned about hate should oppose Rogers, Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
The endorsement produced an immediate rupture inside Stevens’ own office. The Associated Press reported that her longtime chief of staff resigned, citing a person familiar with the developments. Other staff departures were expected. Speaking to reporters after the service, Stevens said, “I’m not turning my back on Democrats. It is this one vote.”
Featured image credit: screengrab from the embedded video.