Why did Democrat Haley Stevens endorse Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s Senate race just days before Election Day?

Michigan Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens has made an unexpected move in the state’s closely watched Senate race, endorsing Republican candidate Mike Rogers just two days before Election Day. The endorsement follows a public fallout with Abdul El-Sayed, the Democrat who defeated Stevens in the August primary. Her decision has also triggered resignations among members of her staff and drawn a quick response from Democratic leaders.

The race is for the Senate seat held by retiring Democrat Gary Peters, with both parties looking to secure support across Michigan. The inputs are taken from CNN and The AP.

Why did Haley Stevens endorse Mike Rogers

Stevens announced her decision after attending a Sunday church service in Detroit with Rogers, the Republican nominee backed by President Donald Trump. In a video explaining her endorsement, Stevens said El-Sayed had told her she was no longer welcome in his campaign.


“Our Democratic nominee for Senate said I was no longer welcome in his campaign and that I should stay away,” Stevens said. “And he’s right. And that’s why I am endorsing Mike Rogers for the United States Senate today.”

The move came after Stevens was reportedly uninvited from a joint event with El-Sayed on the same day. The Associated Press attended both church services, where the two candidates appeared separately with their supporters.

Stevens had previously criticized El-Sayed over his comments about Israel. Despite those disagreements, she had recently said she would vote for him.

A public split shakes Michigan Democrats

The endorsement prompted an immediate reaction within Stevens' political team. According to CNN, her chief of staff and communications director resigned, while additional staff departures were expected. The Associated Press also reported the resignation of her longtime chief of staff.

The Michigan Democratic Party quickly criticized Stevens' decision. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also said Democratic senators were backing El-Sayed.

Earlier on Sunday, Rep. Debbie Dingell had urged party unity, saying, “United we stand, divided we fall.”

What does the endorsement mean for the Senate race?

El-Sayed, a former Michigan public health official, is competing against Rogers, a former congressman, for the seat Peters is leaving behind. The outcome could affect which party controls the Senate during the final two years of Trump's second term. Democrats are also seeking strong turnout among Black and Jewish voters in key parts of Michigan. Stevens' endorsement raises a question for the final stretch of the campaign, will voters who supported her in the primary follow her lead?