Michigan Lawmaker Endorses GOP Senate Candidate Days Before Vote

Outgoing congresswoman Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers on Sunday, less than 72 hours before the Nov. 3 midterm elections. The move followed a public split with the Democratic nominee, Abdul El-Sayed, and drew an immediate invitation from President Donald Trump to join the Republican Party.

The dispute centered on a campaign video that blamed Michigan’s high cost of living on U.S. aid to Israel. Stevens demanded El-Sayed denounce the ad, which was produced by a group led by Cenk Uygur. El-Sayed, who is Muslim, told reporters he did not want to "play the condemn game" over an unaffiliated spot. He stated that his focus remained on defeating Rogers rather than revisiting the August primary.

Stevens said she was "no longer welcome" in El-Sayed’s campaign. In a video posted to social media, she confirmed she was endorsing Rogers. She cited El-Sayed’s "anger and lack of kindness" as primary reasons for her decision. She also referenced his past associations with political influencer Hasan Piker and Uygur, whose organization funded the controversial ad.

Trump addressed the switch at a rally in Iowa on Sunday. He said he had never met Stevens but noted that she "said what few people are willing to say." He added that he would "love her to join the Republican Party actually." Stevens said she remains a "proud Democrat" who wants her party to win the Senate, but her support for the GOP candidate could influence the tight race for the upper chamber.

Democratic leaders reacted with sharp criticism. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the move a "despicable betrayal" and said Senate Democrats were "united" behind El-Sayed. House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi described the endorsement as "horrific" and said it betrayed Michigan families’ healthcare and future. Former Rep. Susan Wild, a former roommate of Stevens in Washington, predicted Stevens would become a "pariah" among her colleagues in the Democratic caucus.

Stevens’ internal team also departed. Justin German, her chief of staff for eight years, resigned on Sunday. He wrote that the team supported El-Sayed and that the election was "too important to sow division." Her communications director Logan Basch sent an auto-reply confirming he was no longer with the office as of Nov. 1. Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel stated that Stevens is no longer a current member of the state party.

Rogers thanked Stevens for her support, saying she "showed courage and bravery in putting Michigan first." House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters he sent Stevens a note commending her for "standing for truth." The endorsement arrives as both parties battle to retain control of Congress, with the Senate majority potentially at stake.