Stevens Endorses Michigan Republican After Trump Courtship
Outgoing congresswoman Haley Stevens backed Mike Rogers for Senate days before the midterm vote, prompting sharp rebukes from her former Democratic colleagues.
By Madison Lewis ·
Congresswoman Haley Stevens announced her endorsement of Republican Mike Rogers for the U.S. Senate seat in Michigan on Sunday, a move that occurred just days before the November 3 midterm elections. The declaration followed a dispute with Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed and a direct invitation from President Donald Trump to join the GOP. Stevens, who lost the Democratic primary in August, stated she was no longer welcome in El-Sayed’s campaign and chose to support the Republican candidate instead.
President Trump made the invitation at a rally in Iowa on Sunday, noting that he had never met Stevens but appreciated her candor. “I think I’d probably. I’d love her to join the Republican Party actually,” Trump said. He praised her for saying what few people are willing to say. Rogers, the GOP nominee, thanked Stevens on social media, crediting her with showing courage and putting Michigan first.
Stevens explained her decision on CNN, citing El-Sayed’s anger and lack of kindness. She pointed to his associations with political influencer Hasan Piker and his uncle Cenk Uygur, whose Rebellion PAC ran a controversial anti-Israel ad. Stevens accused El-Sayed of not denouncing the ad strongly enough, a conflict that dominated the final week of the race. She compared El-Sayed to Graham Platner, the former Maine Democratic nominee who withdrew in July, arguing her actions were intended to help the party.
Democratic leaders responded with immediate criticism. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the endorsement a despicable betrayal and said Senate Democrats were united behind El-Sayed. Representative Nancy Pelosi stated that Stevens had chosen to dangerously betray Michigan families’ healthcare and future. Elissa Slotkin, Stevens’ former House colleague, questioned whether Stevens was serving the greater good by making the election about herself. Ex-Representative Andy Levin described the move as unconscionable and beyond the pale.
Internal turmoil accompanied the announcement. Justin German, Stevens’ chief of staff for eight years, resigned on Sunday to support El-Sayed. His communications director, Logan Basch, confirmed his departure via an automated email reply stating he was no longer with the office as of November 1. The Michigan Democratic Party also distanced itself from Stevens. State party chair Curtis Hertel posted that Stevens is not a current member of the party and will not be in the future.
The endorsement has the potential to shift a tight race that may determine Senate control. Stevens had been scheduled to appear with El-Sayed at a campaign event in Detroit on Sunday but was disinvited by Representative Debbie Dingell due to their strained relationship. Stevens appeared instead at an event at Perfecting Church with Rogers. She said she remains a proud Democrat who wants the party to win the Senate, but her support for the GOP candidate marks a sharp break from her former allies in the final days of the campaign.
