Michigan Senator Candidate Endorses GOP Rival Days Before Election

Haley Stevens, the former U.S. House representative from Michigan, endorsed Republican Mike Rogers on Sunday. She made the move after attending a church service with Rogers in Detroit, a day before the general election. This action split the Democratic party just days before voters head to the polls for the Senate seat currently held by retiring Democrat Gary Peters.

Stevens had lost the August primary to Abdul El-Sayed by a narrow margin. The two Democrats had planned to appear together at a joint event to show unity and boost turnout in the Detroit area. Instead, Stevens sat in the pews at Perfecting Church with Rogers and his wife, Kristi. El-Sayed was at a different house of worship miles away, campaigning with Rep. Jim Clyburn and other allies.

Stevens said El-Sayed told her she was no longer welcome in his campaign. In a video announcing her switch, she stated that she was no longer welcome and that she should stay away. She added that this was why she was endorsing Rogers. Her longtime chief of staff resigned immediately after the announcement, saying the staff was shocked and heartbroken. Several other staff members are expected to follow soon.

El-Sayed responded to the endorsement by saying he does not think about Stevens. He told reporters he is focused on issues like the high cost of living. He added that none of the drama matters. Rep. Debbie Dingell, who helped organize the planned joint appearance, said she asked Stevens not to attend because the tension had become too distracting. Dingell said she did not want to spend her weekend before the election managing the conflict.

Party leaders reacted quickly to the split. Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel said Stevens abandoned the things she claims to care about. He wrote that he will not let this 11th-hour distraction deter the campaign. He also noted that Stevens is not a current member of the Michigan Democratic Party and will not be in the future. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer called the move a despicable betrayal.

Trump praised Stevens in a social media post, calling her a highly respected Democrat and a brave leader. He said her support showed great loyalty to the people of Michigan. The Republican National Committee said Democrats who feel abandoned by El-Sayed have a home with Rogers. A spokesman for the committee said Michigan should take notice when Stevens, who knows El-Sayed best, stands with Rogers.

Early voting began on Oct. 24. As of Friday, more than 1.8 million people in Michigan had already voted. A total of 4.5 million ballots were cast in the 2022 midterm election. The race is closely contested and could determine the balance of power in the Senate for the final two years of Trump's second term.