Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens has been expelled from the Democratic Party after endorsing Republican Mike Rogers over her Democratic rival, Abdul El-Sayed, in the US Senate race. The decision comes just days before the election.
Stevens stated on Sunday that she chose to support Rogers because El-Sayed's campaign had indicated she was not welcome. "This is about leadership and integrity, this is about looking in the mirror," Stevens said, maintaining she was "still a very proud Democrat."
However, Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel declared on social media that Stevens is no longer a member and will not be in the future. "You don't abandon all your values because this is not high school," Hertel stated in a press conference, calling her decision an abandonment of her constituents and her lifelong Democratic values. He criticized her endorsement of Rogers, whom he characterized as a "rubber stamp for Donald Trump," and condemned Stevens for aligning herself with a candidate supported by those who seek to undermine voting rights and support policies he believes harm the community.
Hertel dismissed Stevens's explanation of not being invited to campaign events as a "sour grapes" reaction to her earlier primary loss to El-Sayed.
President Donald Trump commented on Stevens's move, calling her "very brave" and expressing openness to her joining the Republican Party. "I'd love her to join the Republican Party actually," Trump told reporters.
The rift within Michigan Democrats reportedly began when Stevens's fiancé, Jason Turkish, announced his intention to vote for Rogers. Stevens initially reaffirmed her support for El-Sayed but urged his campaign to condemn an ad that linked US support for Israel to rising grocery prices. El-Sayed's campaign stated the ad was not theirs and that they were focused on Michiganders' challenges. El-Sayed himself said he did not agree with the ad's content.
Following this, El-Sayed's campaign asked Stevens to refrain from attending a planned joint church event. Stevens proceeded to the event and announced her endorsement of Rogers, citing the need to "stand with country" and against "hate."
Rogers expressed his honor at receiving Stevens's support and vote.