Haley Stevens endorses Mike Rogers amid Michigan Democratic feud
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Rep. Haley Stevens speaks at her watch party in Detroit in August during Michigan's Democratic U.S. Senate primary. Photo: Finn Gomez/Getty Images
Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) made a stunning last-minute endorsement of Republican Mike Rogers on Sunday, two days before Michigan's closely watched Senate election.
Why it matters: Her endorsement gives Rogers a striking photo op as his party tries to peel away Black and Jewish voters in a tight race that could determine control of the Senate.
Driving the news: Stevens appeared Sunday alongside Rogers at Detroit's Perfecting Church, where she praised his support for Black-owned businesses.
- Stevens later posted an endorsement on X. In a video, she said Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed told her she was no longer welcome in his campaign.
- "And he's right, and that's why I am endorsing Mike Rogers for the United States Senate today," Stevens said.
- Stevens' appearance with Rogers was arranged at the last minute after the two spoke Sunday morning, per a person familiar. She had previously planned to attend a Detroit church service with El-Sayed and Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.).
How it happened: The dispute escalated last week after Stevens' fiancé, Jason Turkish, announced he would vote for Rogers.
- Stevens demanded El-Sayed condemn an outside group's ad linking U.S. support for Israel to higher grocery prices and remove a campaign ad featuring Tucker Carlson.
- On Friday night, after El-Sayed's campaign said Stevens would not be welcome at his events, Rogers called Stevens and told her he would welcome her support, according to a person familiar with the conversations.
- The next day, El-Sayed explicitly rejected the outside ad's contents, prompting Stevens to publicly welcome his remarks.
- On Sunday morning, Stevens called Rogers back to say she would endorse him, the person said. She told Rogers she remained a Democrat and believed the party would still win a Senate majority.
The intrigue: A video posted by Detroit journalist Sam Robinson showed Stevens entering the church and praising Rogers.
- Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), who helped organize the original planned appearance with El-Sayed, told CNN she asked Stevens not to attend because the dispute had become distracting.
- Stevens narrowly lost the August Democratic primary to El-Sayed but endorsed him afterward.
The other side: A person close to El-Sayed argued Stevens' endorsement could actually help him by reinforcing his anti-establishment appeal.
- "It's good for Abdul," the person said, portraying Stevens as a symbol of the Democratic establishment, Congress and support for the Israeli government.
- The endorsement "shows Abdul is the candidate of change and for the people of Michigan," the person added.
What she's saying: Stevens told Politico that El-Sayed had made clear she wasn't welcome in his campaign.
- "Abdul has run a magnificent campaign," she told Politico's Adam Wren. "He just was clear that I wasn't a part of it. I mean, I respect him. I wish him well. He very well could win. It's a close race. I mean, I'm voting for the other guy, and maybe some others are too."
What he's saying: President Trump welcomed Stevens' endorsement in a Truth Social post Sunday afternoon, calling it "BIG" and praising her "bravery."
- Trump said Stevens has a huge following and "virtually unparalleled" respect among Michigan's Black and Jewish voters.
- "Haley said what few people are willing to say," Trump wrote, calling the endorsement an act of loyalty to Michigan.
Flashback: In August, Trump called Stevens a "Radical Left Socialist" during the primary vote count.
What we're watching: Michigan voters choose between Rogers and El-Sayed on Tuesday, with Democrats facing a crucial test of whether they can reunite their coalition.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details throughout.
