Michigan Politics: Stevens Backs Republican Rogers

Haley Stevens, a sitting Democratic congresswoman from Michigan, announced her endorsement of Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers on Sunday. The move came just three days before voters head to the polls in one of the most contested races in the upcoming midterm elections. Stevens appeared alongside Rogers at a church service, a public display that marked a sharp break from her party's official lineup.

Stevens cited a growing rift with Abdul El-Sayed, her opponent in the Democratic primary, as the primary reason for her switch. She stated in a video posted to X that she did not belong in El-Sayed's campaign and that her party's nominee did not reflect the values of Michigan residents. Stevens claimed El-Sayed had informed her she was no longer welcome in his campaign. She noted that while the election is tight, El-Sayed made it clear he did not need her involvement.

The tension between the two politicians escalated over the weekend. The pair had originally planned to attend an event together on Sunday, but El-Sayed reportedly asked Stevens to skip the appearance. This dispute followed a public clash regarding a campaign advertisement from an outside liberal group that blamed Israel for high food prices. El-Sayed had previously criticized the ad and distanced himself from its content.

El-Sayed dismissed the endorsement in a briefing with reporters, stating that he was focused on the issues facing Michiganders. He said he did not spend time thinking about Stevens and that the situation was not a major factor in his campaign strategy. Meanwhile, Rogers welcomed the support, describing Stevens' decision as an act of courage during brief remarks outside the church.

Reactions within the Democratic Party were swift and critical. Many of Stevens' staff reportedly resigned immediately following the announcement. Curtis Hertel, the chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, said Stevens had abandoned the principles she claimed to care about. Senator Chuck Schumer, the Democratic leader in the Senate, labeled the endorsement a despicable betrayal. He argued that El-Sayed would fight for working families while Rogers served as a tool for President Donald Trump and billionaire donors.

President Trump praised Stevens on Truth Social, stating she showed great loyalty to the people of Michigan. In Detroit, local voters expressed mixed feelings. Some Democrats, like 21-year-old student Summer Lawrence, felt the move was a betrayal of the party. Others, including Republican supporter Marissa Lee, doubted the endorsement would change anyone's mind. The seat is currently held by a retiring Democrat. The last Republican elected to this position was in 1994. Michigan has voted for Democratic candidates in presidential elections in 2020 and 2024, though it went for Republican Donald Trump in 2024.

The primary race earlier this year saw El-Sayed, a left-wing outsider and former public health official, defeat Stevens, who was backed by establishment figures including Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The feud has drawn attention to internal divisions within the Democratic Party ahead of the 2028 presidential cycle. El-Sayed has focused on grassroots frustrations with Washington politics and US ties to Israel, while Stevens is viewed as a more centrist figure.