Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Mike Rogers on November 1, 2026, instead of her former primary rival Abdul El-Sayed. The unexpected decision, just two days before Michigan's Senate election, exposed divisions among Democrats and triggered criticism from party leaders.
Haley Stevens Mike Rogers Endorsement Announced in Detroit
Michigan Representative Haley Stevens announced her support for Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers on Sunday after attending a service at Perfecting Church in Detroit.
Stevens appeared alongside Rogers, his wife Kristi, and her fiancé Jason Turkish. She later posted a video explaining her decision to withdraw support from Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed.
Stevens said El-Sayed had made clear that she was no longer welcome in his campaign. Her endorsement marked a sharp reversal after she previously pledged to support him following their closely contested Democratic primary.
Michigan Senate Election 2026 Faces Unexpected Development
The November 3 election will determine who replaces retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters.
El-Sayed, a former public health official, defeated Stevens by a narrow margin in the August Democratic primary. Republican Mike Rogers, a former congressman, is seeking the seat after narrowly losing Michigan's 2024 Senate election.
The contest matters to both parties because Michigan currently holds a Democratic Senate seat. Its result will contribute to determining the balance of power in Washington.
Haley Stevens Abdul El-Sayed Dispute Over Israel
Political disagreements involving Israel played a major role in the breakdown between the two Democrats.
Stevens criticized El-Sayed over statements concerning Israel and urged him to condemn an advertisement from an independent political group linking US military assistance to Israel with rising grocery prices.
Stevens characterized the advertisement as antisemitic. El-Sayed responded that his campaign had not produced it and that he disagreed with its contents.
The disagreement followed months of tension during their primary campaign, despite earlier efforts to demonstrate party unity.
Michigan Democrats React to Endorsement Decision
Stevens' endorsement prompted strong criticism from Democratic officials who continued supporting El-Sayed.
Michigan Democratic Party Chairman Curtis Hertel condemned her decision, arguing that it undermined the party's election efforts.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer reaffirmed his support for El-Sayed, while Stevens' longtime chief of staff resigned following the announcement.
El-Sayed responded by emphasizing policy issues rather than the endorsement controversy.
Michigan Senate Race Political Impact Remains Uncertain
The dispute has drawn attention to divisions among Michigan Democrats, particularly over Israel and relations with Jewish voters.
Stevens' endorsement gives Rogers support from a prominent Democrat, although its effect on voter decisions remains unknown.
With the November 3 midterm elections approaching, both campaigns continue seeking support across Michigan. The outcome will determine which party holds the state's Senate seat for the next six years.
