Michigan Democrat Haley Stevens has defended her unexpected decision to endorse Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers just two days before the U.S. midterm elections, triggering sharp criticism from fellow Democrats and intensifying divisions within the party.
Stevens, who lost the Democratic Senate primary to Abdul El-Sayed in August, withdrew her earlier endorsement of her former rival and announced her support for Rogers on Sunday.
The reversal has attracted significant attention because Michigan is considered a crucial battleground in the Democrats’ efforts to gain control of the U.S. Senate in Tuesday’s elections.
Speaking to CNN hours after the announcement, Stevens said she had reconsidered her position but offered little explanation for the sudden change.
She maintained that her decision reflected her personal convictions and insisted she remained committed to the Democratic Party despite supporting its Republican opponent.
Stevens had initially endorsed El-Sayed after their closely contested primary race. As recently as Saturday evening, she was reportedly denying suggestions that she intended to withdraw her support.
However, tensions between the two Democrats escalated over the weekend, culminating in Stevens appearing alongside Rogers at a campaign event Sunday.
Stevens said El-Sayed had made it clear that she was no longer welcome in his campaign and did not require her endorsement.
In a video posted on X, she argued that Michigan voters should reject political hostility and announced that she would support Rogers instead.
The decision reflects longstanding disagreements between Stevens, a centrist Democrat, and El-Sayed, who represents the party’s progressive wing.
Their differences have been particularly pronounced over U.S. policy toward Israel, an issue that has generated considerable controversy throughout the Michigan Senate race.
One recent dispute involved an advertisement produced by an independent liberal organization that connected rising living costs in the United States with American financial support for Israel.
Stevens urged El-Sayed to denounce the advertisement. He subsequently distanced himself from its message and stated that his campaign had no involvement in producing it.
Although Stevens initially welcomed his response, the disagreement highlighted broader ideological tensions between the two candidates.
Her endorsement of Rogers prompted immediate backlash from prominent Democrats.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer condemned the move as a serious betrayal, while reports indicated that several members of Stevens’ staff resigned following her announcement.
Michigan Democratic Party chair Curtis Hertel declared on social media that Stevens was no longer a member of the state Democratic Party and would not be welcomed back.
Democratic Representative Debbie Dingell also criticized Stevens’ televised explanation, describing her CNN interview as painful to watch.
Republicans, meanwhile, welcomed the unexpected endorsement.
Rogers praised Stevens for demonstrating political courage, while President Donald Trump similarly described her decision as brave.
Stevens had originally been scheduled to participate in a Sunday campaign event with El-Sayed but was reportedly asked not to attend earlier in the weekend.
Responding to the controversy, El-Sayed said he remained focused on addressing the economic and social challenges facing Michigan residents rather than engaging in a public dispute with Stevens.
He dismissed the significance of her endorsement switch and emphasized that his campaign’s priorities remained unchanged.
The Michigan Senate contest is among the most closely watched races of the midterm elections.
Democrats currently hold the seat and are seeking to retain it while winning additional Republican-controlled seats to secure a Senate majority.
Control of Congress could significantly influence Trump’s ability to advance his legislative and political agenda during the final two years of his presidency.
El-Sayed, who would become the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate if victorious, has also faced attacks from Rogers and Trump throughout the campaign.
Trump has invoked the September 11 terrorist attacks and referred to El-Sayed as a “jihadist” without presenting evidence to support the characterization.
Those remarks have drawn criticism and accusations of Islamophobia.
With voting scheduled for Tuesday, Stevens’ last-minute endorsement has introduced another element of uncertainty into an already competitive race, underscoring the ideological divisions within Michigan’s Democratic Party and the high stakes of the battle for Senate control.
