House Democratic leaders are considering their response to Rep. Haley Stevens' endorsement of Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers over Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, a move that has drawn sharp criticism and calls for her removal from the House Democratic Caucus.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries indicated that a decision on Stevens' future within the caucus would be made after the midterm elections. "Haley Stevens made a terrible decision, blindsided everyone and isolated herself from the House Democratic caucus. We will have a discussion about appropriate next steps upon our return," Jeffries stated.
Stevens, a four-term lawmaker, lost the Democratic primary for Michigan's Senate seat to El-Sayed. She subsequently endorsed Rogers, a former Republican congressman, just two days before the midterm elections. This decision reportedly blindsided fellow Democrats, including Rep. Debbie Dingell, who said Stevens had assured her she would not endorse Rogers. "I don't know what changed between late Saturday and Sunday morning," Dingell commented.
Several prominent Democrats have publicly called for Stevens' expulsion. Rep. Delia Ramirez stated on X, "Deplorable and embarrassing. Capitulating to fascism, Islamophobia, racism and the policies hurting everyday Americans makes you unfit to serve with the Democratic caucus. Shame on Haley Stevens. She must be removed from the caucus." Rep. Pramila Jayapal echoed these sentiments, adding that Stevens "has no place in our party."
Beyond elected officials, organizations aligned with the Democratic Party, such as the IfNotNow movement, have also formally requested Stevens' removal from the caucus and stripping of committee assignments. The group called her endorsement a betrayal of the party and its voters.
The Michigan Democratic Party has already severed ties with Stevens. Michigan Democratic Party Chairman Curtis Hertel announced that Stevens "is not a current member of the Michigan Democratic Party, nor will she be in the future" following her endorsement of Rogers.
Stevens' actions have also reportedly impacted her staff. Her communications director stated on November 1, the day of the endorsement, that he was "no longer with the Office of Congresswoman Haley Stevens."
If Stevens were removed from the caucus, she would lose access to its meetings and could face further action regarding her committee assignments, depending on applicable caucus and House rules.