Stevens Endorses Rogers in Michigan Senate Race

Haley Stevens, a sitting Michigan congresswoman, endorsed Republican Mike Rogers in the state’s U.S. Senate race on Sunday. She made the announcement after appearing with Rogers at a church service. Stevens lost the Democratic primary to Abdul El-Sayed earlier this year. The endorsement arrived just days before the general election, which is considered one of the tightest contests in the 2026 midterms.

Stevens said she no longer felt welcome in El-Sayed’s campaign. She stated that El-Sayed told her he did not need her in the race. The conflict intensified after El-Sayed criticized a commercial from an outside liberal group that blamed Israel for high food prices. El-Sayed said he had no connection to that advertisement.

In a video posted to X, Stevens said she was endorsing Rogers because the Democratic nominee did not represent Michiganders. She said the state’s identity was not about hate. El-Sayed responded to the news by saying he was focused on the problems facing residents. He told reporters that he did not think about Stevens and that the dispute did not matter.

The Michigan seat is currently held by a retiring Democrat. A Republican last won the position in 1994. The state voted for Democrat Joe Biden in 2020 but for Republican Donald Trump in 2024. Analysts view the race as a key battleground for Senate control in the next two years.

Rogers welcomed the endorsement, describing it as an act of courage. President Trump called the move a display of loyalty on Truth Social. In response, Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer labeled the endorsement a despicable betrayal. He said Senate Democrats remained united behind El-Sayed, who he described as a fighter for working families.

Many of Stevens’ staff resigned immediately after the announcement. Curtis Hertel, the chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, said the decision showed Stevens had abandoned her stated values. He rejected attempts to divide the party. State Senator Mallory McMorrow said the feud felt more about Stevens’ feelings than the needs of Michigan voters.

Voters in downtown Detroit reacted with disappointment to the news. Summer Lawrence, a 21-year-old student, called the endorsement a betrayal of the party. Matthew Barera, another voter, questioned whether Stevens had personal frustrations with the party. Marissa Lee, a Rogers supporter, said she doubted the endorsement would change the outcome of the race.