Michigan Democrat Haley Stevens Stops Short of Full Endorsement for Senate Nominee El-Sayed

Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., has repeatedly demurred when asked if she fully supports Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Michigan, in the days leading up to the midterm elections. The comments highlight ongoing divisions within the state's Democratic Party following a contentious primary that exposed rifts over foreign policy and the party's direction.

During a television interview, Stevens was pressed by CNN's Dana Bash on why she had not yet campaigned alongside El-Sayed, despite endorsing him after he narrowly defeated her in the primary. Stevens initially pointed to her work supporting other Democratic candidates across Michigan. However, when directly asked if she remained "fully behind" El-Sayed, Stevens stated, "I can't say that I agree with everything that's gone on." She later added, "I'm on the team."

The exchange underscores the challenges El-Sayed faces in uniting the Democratic coalition as he prepares to face Republican Mike Rogers in the general election. The race for the Michigan Senate seat is considered critical for control of the Senate.

Stevens suggested that El-Sayed still needs to engage more effectively with certain voter groups who supported her in the primary, particularly Black and Jewish voters. When questioned about El-Sayed's outreach to these communities, Stevens recalled urging the campaign to organize a speech within the Black community, noting that "That speech hasn't happened."

El-Sayed's campaign platform includes policies such as Medicare-for-all and ending U.S. military aid to Israel. Rogers, his Republican opponent, has sought to characterize El-Sayed as outside the political mainstream in Michigan. The contest is seen as a test for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party.