In a surprising development just before an election, Michigan Democrat Haley Stevens has publicly endorsed Republican candidate Mike Rogers, a move that has caused a significant stir within her party. The abrupt shift has led to resignations from her Capitol Hill team, who reportedly discovered the betrayal on social media.
According to former Governor Jim Blanchard, a close friend and supporter of Stevens, the decision was influenced by her fiancé, Jason Turkish, a Jewish Democrat. Blanchard stated that Turkish had warned that El-Sayed's campaign rhetoric put Jewish people at risk and that he would prioritize "country before party." Turkish expressed that he would feel "less safe on this planet" if El-Sayed were to win, citing accusations that the Democratic nominee fanned antisemitic threats and failed to denounce controversial ads linking aid to Israel with rising grocery prices.
Blanchard detailed a Friday dinner conversation where Turkish allegedly began persuading Stevens to change her allegiance. "He was working her over," Blanchard recounted, suggesting Turkish conveyed that "everyone is disappointed in you." Blanchard, who was present at the dinner, stated he advised Stevens to be a "team player" and "gracious," but believes his words fell on deaf ears. Stevens reportedly responded to Blanchard's concerns by saying, "I'm fine." The following Sunday, Stevens appeared alongside Rogers at Detroit's Perfecting Church, endorsing him shortly thereafter.
Stevens confirmed her vote would go to Rogers, stating, "We have to stand with country. We cannot stand for hate." She also claimed that her former Democratic ally, Abdul El-Sayed, had made it clear he did not need her support. Rogers expressed his honor at receiving Stevens' endorsement, remarking, "I'm candidly happy I'm not running against her."
El-Sayed's campaign has stated that the controversial ads were not made or endorsed by the campaign and that the campaign is focused on issues facing Michiganders. El-Sayed himself told reporters that he did not agree with the ad's content and indicated he was not focused on Stevens' decision, but rather on solving problems for the state.
Despite this late defection, El-Sayed reportedly maintains a lead in polls over Rogers. However, many recent surveys were completed before Stevens' endorsement of Rogers.