Michigan Democrat Haley Stevens Defends Endorsement of Republican Mike Rogers Days Before Primary

A public rift between Representative Haley Stevens, a centrist Democrat, and Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive standard-bearer, has escalated sharply in recent days.

Just two days before the primary, Stevens stunned observers by endorsing Republican Mike Rogers, appearing alongside him at a Sunday campaign event.

In a video posted to X shortly after the announcement, Stevens explained her decision. “I don’t belong in Abdul’s campaign,” she stated. “Who we are as Michiganders is not hate. That is why I am endorsing Mike Rogers.”

The decision sent shockwaves through the state party, drawing swift condemnation from colleagues who viewed the last-minute switch as a betrayal.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer labeled the move a “despicable betrayal,” while several members of Stevens’ own staff reportedly resigned in protest.

Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel declared on X that Stevens is “not a current member of the Michigan Democratic Party, nor will she be in the future.”

Republicans, conversely, welcomed the defection. Rogers praised Stevens’ “courage,” and former President Donald Trump commended her for being “very brave.”

The endorsement followed a weekend rupture: Stevens had been scheduled to appear with El-Sayed on Sunday but was reportedly disinvited by his campaign earlier in the week.

Appearing alongside Rogers instead, Stevens argued the race was tight but insisted El-Sayed had made it clear she was unwelcome. “Abdul made clear that I was not welcome in his campaign, that he didn’t need me there, that he didn’t want me there,” she said.

Asked to respond, El-Sayed dismissed the drama, telling reporters he remained focused on the issues facing Michigan residents.

“At the end of the day, I don’t think about Haley Stevens,” he said Sunday. “None of this matters.”

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