Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., has ignited a firestorm within the Democratic Party by endorsing Republican Mike Rogers in the final stretch of Michigan's U.S. Senate race. The move has drawn sharp criticism from prominent Democrats, who accuse Stevens of betraying party values and her constituents.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated that Stevens "betrayed them by endorsing the very Republican she said she wanted to run against," highlighting concerns over healthcare, rent, and bills for working-class people. Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel announced that Stevens is no longer a member of the state party.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., called Stevens' decision a "despicable betrayal," asserting that Senate Democrats remain unified in their support for the Democratic nominee, Abdul El-Sayed. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., indicated that an internal discussion would follow Stevens' endorsement, stating she "blinded everyone and isolated herself from the House Democratic caucus."
Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wis., was particularly critical, calling Stevens "clearly disturbed" and accusing her of throwing her constituents "under the bus." Pocan suggested Stevens was seeking attention after her primary loss and that "no one will take her seriously ever again."
Stevens, who lost the Democratic primary to El-Sayed earlier this year, stated her decision came after El-Sayed allegedly told her to "stay away" from his campaign and criticized his embrace of streamer Hasan Piker. Piker, who has faced accusations of antisemitism and controversial past statements, has been a point of contention for El-Sayed.
El-Sayed, responding to the controversy surrounding Stevens' endorsement, urged reporters to focus on substantive issues rather than political drama. "I'm going to ask that when we take questions, you keep your questions focused on the issues that Michiganders really care about," he said.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) also condemned Stevens' endorsement. DNC chair Ken Martin released a statement calling it a "betrayal of the values of the Democratic Party" and emphasizing the party's commitment to electing El-Sayed.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) echoed these sentiments, stating they would "reject any efforts to divide Democrats" and highlighting Rogers' alignment with Donald Trump.
Piker himself briefly commented on Stevens' endorsement, writing, "i condemn haley stevens." El-Sayed has previously attempted to distance himself from Piker, characterizing him as a "streamer from California."
Stevens' decision followed a contentious period where she expressed concerns over an ad aired by Rebellion PAC, operated by Cenk Uygur (Piker's uncle), which was widely viewed as antisemitic. Stevens had conditioned her appearance at a campaign event on El-Sayed's denouncement of the ad, but El-Sayed instead disinvited her.
Former Obama speechwriter and "Pod Save America" co-host Jon Favreau called Stevens' action "the single most unproductive, selfish thing a Democratic candidate has done all cycle." Fellow "Pod Save America" cohost Jon Lovett labeled Stevens a "sleaze."