Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens' endorsement of Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers has drawn sharp criticism from allies of her former primary opponent, Abdul El-Sayed. Figures on the left, including streamers and media personalities, have attacked Stevens, questioning her motives and loyalty to the Democratic party.

Hasan Piker, a prominent streamer, suggested on X that Stevens was "weirdly obsessed with Israel" and a "self-interested striver." He further claimed she was not a spokesperson for Jewish or Black people, and that her focus was misplaced from key issues like the affordability crisis and defending democracy.

Mehdi Hasan, editor-in-chief of Zeteo News, echoed these sentiments, calling Stevens a "complete traitor" and a "disturbed, deranged, dishonest woman." He further stated on X that "Islamophobia" was at the core of her endorsement and that Democratic leaders supporting her were mistaken, even calling her "evil."

David Hogg, a gun control activist and former DNC vice chair, urged Democrats to denounce Stevens, calling her "the Republican she is" and a "traitor." Jon Lovett and Tommy Vietor, co-hosts of the podcast "Pod Save America," also criticized Stevens, with Lovett calling her endorsement "incoherent" and "a disgrace," while Vietor suggested Stevens was overlooking bigotry when it was directed against certain groups.

The controversy stems from Stevens' criticism of an advertisement released by Rebellion PAC, which supported El-Sayed's campaign. The ad depicted grocery shoppers linking U.S. military support for Israel to high grocery prices. Stevens called the ad antisemitic and demanded El-Sayed condemn it. El-Sayed's campaign stated it did not create the ad and disagreed with its content.

Cenk Uygur, founder of The Young Turks and Rebellion PAC, defended the advertisement and later claimed on X that Stevens' endorsement of Rogers was fueled by "AIPAC money" and that she lacked popular support. Stevens' fiancé, Jason Turkish, and former campaign chairman David Kramer had previously announced their support for Rogers.

Stevens, who narrowly lost the Democratic primary to El-Sayed, appeared alongside Rogers at a Detroit church on November 1, 2026. Her endorsement came after El-Sayed disinvited her from a campaign event intended to show party unity. Stevens has stated she remains a proud Democrat.

The Republican National Committee welcomed Stevens' endorsement, with spokesman Hunter Lovell suggesting it indicated Rogers' appeal beyond Republican voters. He stated that Democrats feeling abandoned by El-Sayed have a place with Rogers, who he claimed was building a coalition of Democrats, Independents, and Republicans.

When asked by journalist Sam Robinson about supporting a candidate with opposing positions, Stevens responded, "Nothing is perfect." The exchange was interrupted by a heckler who called Stevens a "traitor."