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Haley Stevens Backs Republican Candidate Mike Rogers
Representative Haley Stevens, a sitting Democratic congresswoman from Michigan, has endorsed Republican candidate Mike Rogers in the state's upcoming U.S. Senate race. The announcement occurred two days before the election, following an escalating dispute between Stevens and the Democratic Senate nominee, Abdul El-Sayed.
Escalating Party Feud and Campaign Dispute
Stevens previously lost the Democratic nomination to El-Sayed after a primary campaign. Tensions between the two escalated over an advertisement from an outside liberal group that blamed Israel for high food prices. El-Sayed criticized the advertisement and denied involvement with its content.
Stevens had been scheduled to attend a party unity event alongside El-Sayed on Sunday. However, she stated that El-Sayed asked her not to come, leading her to appear alongside Rogers outside a church service instead. Stevens expressed that she was not welcome in El-Sayed's campaign and chose to switch her support to the Republican nominee.
Reactions from Political Figures and Voters
The endorsement drew criticism from within the Democratic Party. Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer called the endorsement a betrayal, and Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel stated that Stevens had abandoned her principles. Multiple staff members working for Stevens reportedly resigned following her announcement.
Conversely, Rogers welcomed the endorsement and praised Stevens. Donald Trump also commended her decision on Truth Social. When asked about the endorsement, El-Sayed told reporters that he was focusing on issues facing Michiganders rather than Stevens' decision.
Context of the Michigan Senate Contest
The Michigan Senate race is considered one of the closest contests in the country and will help determine control of the Senate. The seat is currently held by a retiring Democrat, with no Republican winning the seat since 1994. Michigan continues to serve as a critical political battleground, having voted for Joe Biden in 2020 and Donald Trump in 2024.
Source: Democrat endorses Republican candidate in key Michigan Senate race as party spat erupts