Haley Stevens Criticized by Democrats for Not Endorsing El-Sayed
Progressives accuse the Michigan congresswoman of undermining the Democratic nominee after she avoided a direct endorsement on national television.
Rep. Haley Stevens, a Democrat from Michigan, is facing sharp criticism from within her own party for her reluctance to explicitly endorse Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee for a key Senate race. During an appearance on CNN's "State of the Union," Stevens broadly supported the Democratic ticket in Michigan for the upcoming midterm elections but stopped short of a full endorsement for El-Sayed.
"Look, I'm on the Democratic ticket. I can't say that I agree with everything that's gone on," Stevens stated. "I'm looking to be on the team to support my next governor, Jocelyn Benson, and frankly, these great Democrats who are working their tails off, who are going to make Hakeem Jeffries the first Black Speaker of the House."
When pressed specifically about El-Sayed, she responded, "Well, look, I would just say, if you had asked me if I'm still on the team, I'm on the team."
This measured response drew immediate condemnation from progressive activists and commentators online. Leah Greenberg, who leads the activist group Indivisible, stated on X, "It is late October and people are voting every day, if you cannot give a full-throated endorsement to the Democratic nominee who could be the key vote in flipping the Senate, then stay the f--- off television."
Mehdi Hasan, a progressive commentator, criticized Stevens' stance, suggesting it reflected hypocrisy and could harm Democratic chances. Former congressional candidate Kyle Blomquist accused Stevens of "practically fawning over Mike Rogers" and questioned her ideological commitments. Progressive commentator Emma Vigeland wrote that Stevens was "sabotaging El-Sayed on national TV" to protect her career.
El-Sayed narrowly defeated Stevens in the Michigan primary earlier this year, winning 48.5% of the vote to her 47.5%. Stevens had been the establishment-backed candidate, receiving support from figures like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. El-Sayed, on the other hand, is backed by progressive members of Congress, including Reps. Rashida Tlaib and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Some Democrats, however, pushed back against the harsh criticism. Strategist Lis Smith argued that candidates who inspire broader support, like those endorsed by the party leadership, are a validation of their quality. Stevens' office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the online backlash.