Rep. Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Mike Rogers for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat Sunday, reversing her support for Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed two days before an election that could help determine control of the chamber.
The announcement followed a public dispute between Stevens and El-Sayed, who narrowly defeated her in August’s Democratic primary. Their disagreements over Israel and campaign rhetoric escalated in the closing days of the general election, unraveling efforts to present a united Democratic front.
“I don’t belong in Abdul’s campaign,” Stevens said in a video announcing her decision. She nevertheless described herself as “still a very proud Democrat”.
Stevens appeared with Rogers at Perfecting Church in Detroit on Sunday. She had previously been expected to attend a separate church event with El-Sayed and prominent Democrats, including Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina. Rep. Debbie Dingell, who helped organize that appearance, told The Associated Press she asked Stevens not to attend because the dispute had become a distraction.
The latest confrontation centered on an advertisement from Rebellion PAC, an outside group, linking American support for Israel to grocery costs. Stevens condemned the advertisement as antisemitic and demanded that El-Sayed reject it. His campaign said it had no involvement in the spot, and El-Sayed subsequently said he disagreed with its contents.
Stevens’ fiancé, Jason Turkish, had already announced his intention to vote for Rogers. Even after that announcement, Stevens publicly maintained that she would support El-Sayed before changing course Sunday.
Democratic leaders swiftly criticized the endorsement. Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel accused Stevens of abandoning her stated priorities, while Dingell urged voters to remain focused on electing Democrats, including El-Sayed.
The decision also prompted departures from Stevens’ congressional office. NBC News reported that her longtime chief of staff, Justin German, and several other staff members were resigning. German said the team was “shocked and heartbroken” and encouraged voters to support El-Sayed.
El-Sayed responded by emphasizing household expenses and access to health care rather than dwelling on his former rival’s decision. Speaking outside a Detroit campaign event, he said families’ concerns about schools, food and medical bills mattered more than the political dispute.
Rogers welcomed the endorsement, calling himself honored to receive Stevens’ support. President Donald Trump also praised her decision during a Sunday rally in Iowa.
Rogers and El-Sayed are competing to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters. With voting concluding Tuesday, Stevens’ endorsement adds a late rupture to a consequential Senate contest, though its effect on voters remains uncertain.
