GOP candidate Mike Rogers gains endorsement from Rep. Haley Stevens
The Michigan Democrat’s switch to the Republican side occurred 48 hours before the Nov. 3 midterm election, prompting a party invitation from President Donald Trump.
By Alessia Desai ·
Outgoing Michigan congresswoman Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers on Sunday.
The announcement came two days before the Nov. 3 midterm election. Stevens had lost the Democratic primary to Abdul El-Sayed in August. The two candidates have clashed recently over El-Sayed’s handling of antisemitism and a controversial ad blaming cost-of-living issues on U.S. aid to Israel. Stevens demanded El-Sayed reject the ad on Friday. El-Sayed said his campaign focuses on defeating Rogers, not relitigating the primary. He called the ad unaffiliated with his campaign.
Rep. Debbie Dingell (D, Mich.) disinvited Stevens from a joint campaign event on Saturday. Dingell said the two candidates had a strained relationship. Stevens appeared at an event at Perfecting Church in Detroit with Rogers on Sunday. She posted a video on social media stating that El-Sayed told her she was no longer welcome in his campaign. She said she was endorsing Rogers for the U.S. Senate.
Stevens explained her decision on CNN on Sunday night. She cited El-Sayed’s anger and lack of kindness. She referenced his associations with political influencers Hasan Piker and Cenk Uygur. Uygur’s Rebellion PAC produced the anti-Israel ad. Stevens compared El-Sayed to Graham Platner, the former Maine Senate nominee who withdrew in July. She said she remains a proud Democrat who wants her party to control the Senate.
President Donald Trump invited Stevens to join the Republican Party on Sunday. Trump spoke at a rally in Iowa on the final weekend before the election. He said he had never met Stevens but admired her candor. He stated he would love for her to join the GOP.
Democratic leaders criticized the endorsement. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called it a despicable betrayal. He said Senate Democrats support El-Sayed. Rep. Nancy Pelosi said Stevens betrayed Michigan families’ healthcare and future. Sen. Elissa Slotkin said Stevens made the election about herself. Ex-Rep. Susan Wild said Stevens would become a pariah among her Democratic colleagues. Ex-Rep. Andy Levin called the endorsement unconscionable.
Stevens’ staff resigned on Sunday. Justin German, her chief of staff for eight years, said the team supports El-Sayed. Her communications director Logan Basch sent an auto-reply confirming his departure as of Nov. 1. Curtis Hertel, chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, said Stevens is no longer a member of the state party. Rogers thanked Stevens on social media for putting Michigan first. House Speaker Mike Johnson sent a note to Stevens commending her courage.
