In a stunning development days before the election, Haley Stevens, the former opponent of Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan, has endorsed Republican Mike Rogers. Stevens announced her support for Rogers after attending a church service with him, a move that has left Democratic officials surprised and dismayed.
Stevens, who was uninvited to a joint event with El-Sayed on the same day she made her endorsement, stated, "Our Democratic nominee for Senate said I was no longer welcome in his campaign and that I should stay away. And he's right. And that's why I am endorsing Mike Rogers for the United States Senate today."
El-Sayed dismissed the endorsement, telling reporters that he is focused on issues important to voters, such as the cost of living, and that "None of this matters."
Tensions between Stevens and El-Sayed have been evident since the August primary, where El-Sayed narrowly defeated Stevens. Their differing stances on Israel and past remarks by El-Sayed have been points of contention within the party. Stevens is a strong supporter of Israel, while El-Sayed has been a vocal critic. El-Sayed has also faced criticism for past remarks regarding an attack on a Michigan synagogue and for appearances with streamer Hasan Piker.
The race for the Senate seat, held by retiring Democrat Gary Peters, is crucial for both parties aiming to control the Senate. Keeping Michigan in Democratic hands is considered vital for the party's efforts to secure a majority for the final two years of any potential second term for President Donald Trump.
Michigan Democratic leaders expressed shock and disappointment. State Party Chair Curtis Hertel stated that Stevens' endorsement "shows that she has abandoned everything she claims to care about" and that such