Democrat Stuns Her Own Party, Endorses Republican in Michigan Senate Race Two Days Before Election

Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens, who narrowly lost Michigan's Democratic Senate primary to Abdul El-Sayed in August, endorsed his Republican opponent, former Rep. Mike Rogers, on Sunday, November 1, just two days before voters decide one of the Senate races that could determine control of the chamber.

Stevens appeared with Rogers at Perfecting Church on Detroit's east side, then posted a video announcing her decision. "I don't belong in Abdul's campaign," she said, describing herself as a proud Democrat who had concluded she could no longer support her party's nominee after being told she was no longer welcome at his campaign events.

The break followed weeks of escalating tension, including Stevens's October 30 call for El-Sayed to condemn an outside group's ad linking U.S. military assistance to Israel with rising grocery costs, and a dispute over El-Sayed's campaigning with Twitch streamer Hasan Piker. El-Sayed's campaign had asked Stevens not to attend a planned joint church event, and she instead attended a service with Rogers and his wife.

Democratic reaction was swift and furious. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the endorsement a 'despicable betrayal,' and Michigan Democratic Party chair Curtis Hertel said Stevens was no longer a member of the state party and would not be again. President Donald Trump praised Stevens, calling her endorsement brave, and urged her to join the Republican Party.

El-Sayed, campaigning with Rep. James Clyburn as scheduled, told reporters he was less interested in the campaign back-and-forth than in the cost of living and other issues facing voters. The seat, being vacated by retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters, is among the most closely watched in the country heading into Tuesday's vote.