Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) has denounced accusations that her fiancé influenced her decision to withdraw support for Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, calling such suggestions "sexism dressed up as political analysis." Stevens stated that her endorsement of Republican Mike Rogers was a "decision of conscience" and "was not made for me by anyone else."
Stevens, who lost to El-Sayed in the August Democratic primary, explained her reasoning in a lengthy social media post, addressing the backlash she has received from within her own party. She noted that critics have also targeted her fiancé, Jason Turkish, a Jewish Democrat and disability rights advocate, suggesting he or others dictated her political stance.
"Think about what that says. A woman can serve in Congress, run statewide, and fight for her convictions, and still be told that when she makes a choice people dislike, someone else must be pulling the strings," Stevens wrote. She emphasized that her fiancé has his own views and she has hers, and that her decision was independent.
Stevens indicated that her break with El-Sayed stemmed from his campaign's alleged antisemitic ad and rhetoric. She claimed she was informed she was "no longer welcome" on the campaign trail after asking El-Sayed to disavow such content. She stated that after concluding El-Sayed was "not fit to serve," she decided to support Rogers, hoping he would emulate the independent spirit of figures like John McCain.
The congresswoman expressed disappointment with the Democratic Party's response, suggesting that some leaders were too quick to condemn her rather than explore her motivations. "We cannot preach inclusion while punishing dissent," she stated, adding that the party should not tolerate disagreement if it aims to heal a divided country.
Stevens affirmed her commitment to remaining a Democrat and intends to work towards building a "stronger, more welcoming, more courageous Democratic Party."