Stevens endorses GOP candidate Rogers before midterm
Michigan Rep. Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers two days before the 2026 midterm, after losing the Democratic primary to Abdul El‑Sayed.
Key points
- Stevens lost the Democratic primary to Abdul El‑Sayed and then endorsed Mike Rogers.
- She appeared with Rogers at Perfecting Church and posted a video on X criticizing El‑Sayed’s campaign.
- El‑Sayed dismissed the endorsement, focusing on the cost of living.
- The race to replace retiring Senator Gary Peters is a key 2026 midterm contest.
- The dispute has been described as a civil war within the Democratic Party.
Michigan Democratic Representative Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers on Sunday, two days before the 2026 midterm election. The endorsement came after Stevens lost the Democratic primary to Abdul El-Sayed and followed a public dispute between the two Democrats.
Stevens made a surprise appearance at Perfecting Church alongside Rogers. In a video posted on X, she stated, "I'm not part of Abdul's campaign," adding that the behavior of the Democratic nominee did not reflect the values of Michiganders. She disclosed that El-Sayed had told her she was no longer welcome on his campaign and that he did not want her present at a separate event they had been expected to attend together.
El-Sayed, who is vying to become America's first Muslim senator, dismissed the endorsement when asked by reporters. He stated, "At the end of the day I actually don't think about Haley Stevens," and added, "None of this matters." He said he remained focused on issues such as the high cost of living.
The race to succeed retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters is considered a marquee battle of the 2026 midterms that could determine which party controls the U.S. Senate. Democrats currently hold 47 seats and need 51 to win back the chamber. The contest has been described as a civil war within the Democratic Party due to the escalating dispute. President Donald Trump said Sunday he would "love" for Stevens to join the Republican Party hours after her endorsement. Senator John Fetterman also condemned El-Sayed, calling him a communist who hates Israel.
Your questions, answered
Why did Haley Stevens endorse Mike Rogers?
Stevens said the Democratic nominee’s behavior did not reflect Michiganders’ values and she was no longer welcome on his campaign.
What did Abdul El‑Sayed say about the endorsement?
El‑Sayed said he did not think about Stevens and that the endorsement did not matter, focusing instead on the cost of living.
How does this story make you feel?
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