Democratic Representative Haley Stevens Endorses Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan Senate Race

Democratic Representative Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan's U.S. Senate race on Sunday, appearing alongside the candidate at Perfecting Church in Detroit just two days before Election Day. Stevens narrowly lost the August Democratic primary to Abdul El-Sayed, who is the Democratic nominee in the contest.

Stevens stated that El-Sayed informed her she was no longer welcome in his campaign and that she should stay away. The endorsement provoked immediate condemnation from senior party figures, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who called the decision a despicable betrayal. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Representative Nancy Pelosi also criticized the endorsement, while President Donald Trump commended Stevens and invited her to join the Republican Party.

The Michigan Democratic Party declared that Stevens was no longer a member of the state party. Additionally, Stevens's chief of staff, Justin German, and communications director, Logan Basch, resigned from her congressional office following the announcement. El-Sayed dismissed the endorsement when questioned by reporters, stating he remains focused on issues such as the high cost of living.

Stevens defended her decision as one that is right for Michigan, noting that 90 percent of the votes she casts remain for Democrats, but her Senate vote goes to Rogers. The race is set to fill the seat of retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters, with control of the Senate at stake.