Michigan Rep. Haley Stevens backs GOP rival in final push before election

The final days of Michigan's competitive Senate race have been upended by a defection within the Democratic Party. Representative Haley Stevens announced on Sunday that she is endorsing Republican candidate Mike Rogers, a decision that splits the party ticket just two days before voters head to the polls. This move follows a sharp public disagreement between Stevens and the Democratic nominee, Abdul El-Sayed.

Stevens posted a two-minute video explaining her rationale, stating that El-Sayed told her she was no longer welcome in his campaign. "I don't belong in Abdul's campaign," Stevens said in the video. She noted that she had previously planned to attend a rally for El-Sayed on Sunday but withdrew after the two released competing critical statements. Stevens specifically cited El-Sayed's relationship with internet personality Hasan Piker as a reason for her endorsement of Rogers.

The endorsement triggered immediate internal changes in Stevens' congressional office. Justin German, her longtime chief of staff, confirmed that he and several other staff members are resigning. In a statement, German described the team as "shocked and heartbroken" by the decision to support Rogers. He urged colleagues to vote for El-Sayed and the rest of the Democratic ticket. This staff exodus occurred within hours of the video being released.

Democratic leaders reacted quickly to the split. Curtis Hertel, chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party, declared on social media that Stevens is no longer a current member of the party. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer issued a statement affirming that Senate Democrats remain united behind El-Sayed. He characterized Rogers as a "tool of Donald Trump and billionaire donors." Senator Elissa Slotkin also criticized Stevens in a social media post, suggesting the congresswoman had made the election about herself rather than the concerns of Michigan residents.

Rogers accepted the endorsement, calling himself "honored" by the support. He framed the move as a statement against what he described as loud hate within the state, referencing Jews hiding symbols of their faith. President Donald Trump praised Stevens on social media, describing her action as "bravery" and "almost unprecedented loyalty" to Michigan's people.

El-Sayed addressed reporters on Sunday afternoon, stating he was focused on the millions of voters who are not part of the political drama. He said he does not think about Stevens much. While the endorsement has stirred the race, its potential impact on the final vote count remains a subject of analysis. More than two million votes have already been cast in the state, according to available data.

The contest to replace retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters is widely viewed as one of the most competitive in the country. The winner will help determine which party controls the Senate. Stevens' decision adds a layer of complexity to the final 48 hours of the campaign, with both sides scrambling to respond to the shift in support.