Michigan Democratic congresswoman Haley Stevens has thrown her support behind Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers, abandoning her party’s nominee Abdul El-Sayed just two days before a closely contested election.
Stevens, who lost the Democratic nomination to El-Sayed, accused him of excluding her from his campaign and criticised the direction of his political messaging following a dispute over an advertisement linking American support for Israel to rising living costs.
Her unexpected appearance alongside Rogers at a church event on Sunday sparked outrage among Democrats, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer condemning the endorsement as a betrayal and several of Stevens’ staff reportedly resigning.
Rogers welcomed her backing, while President Donald Trump praised her decision and suggested she join the Republican Party.
El-Sayed dismissed the controversy, insisting his attention remained on voters’ concerns. The dramatic rupture comes as Michigan prepares for a pivotal Senate contest that could help determine which party controls the chamber.
