Democrat Stevens Endorses Republican Rogers in Senate Race
Congresswoman's decision sparks party backlash, drawing sharp criticism and a staff resignation just days before the midterm elections.
Callum Smith
Congresswoman Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Mike Rogers in the US Senate race.
The congresswoman criticized an advertisement linking US support for Israel to rising grocery prices. El-Sayed's campaign, however, stated it neither produced nor endorsed the ad.
Following her endorsement, El-Sayed's campaign asked Stevens to avoid a scheduled church event. Stevens' chief of staff resigned after the announcement, and Justin German released a statement on behalf of Stevens' campaign team endorsing Abdul El-Sayed.
President Donald Trump welcomed Stevens to the Republican Party, praising her "bravery." House Speaker Mike Johnson spoke with Stevens, offering encouragement.
Michigan stands as a crucial swing state. Its Senate race holds significant implications for Democratic control of the chamber. The election is set to occur two days before the midterm elections.
The latest New York Times poll shows El-Sayed leading Rogers, with 53% to 42% respectively. This endorsement introduces a new dynamic into an already tight contest.
Stevens claimed her decision to back Rogers stemmed from El-Sayed's campaign stating she was not welcome. She also claimed she never received an invitation to a campaign event.
She further claimed her choice reflected a commitment to leadership and integrity, a decision made after personal reflection. Stevens stated her own household was "divided - until last night" when she decided to vote for Rogers.
A despicable betrayal.
Conversely, Curtis Hertel, chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, stated that Stevens is not and will not be a member of the party. Hertel claimed Stevens "abandoned" her constituents at the worst possible moment.
Hertel suggested Stevens's move was due to "sour grapes from the election" after her primary loss to El-Sayed. He also claimed Rogers "will be a rubber stamp for Donald Trump and all the hate that happens."
Hertel called Stevens siding with Rogers an "abomination," particularly concerning potential tax cuts for billionaires while healthcare provisions were being stripped away. He claimed either Stevens is not who she said she would be or there is something very wrong with her.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called the endorsement "a despicable betrayal."