Haley Stevens Endorses Republican Mike Rogers for Michigan Senate

Former Michigan congresswoman Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Mike Rogers for the U.S. Senate on Sunday, a decision that effectively removes a major Democratic voice from the race just days before the midterm election.

Stevens made the announcement at a church event in Detroit, stating that Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed had told her she was no longer welcome in his campaign. She said, 'And he’s right. And that’s why I am endorsing Mike Rogers for the United States Senate today.' The move follows a primary loss to El-Sayed in August and subsequent public disputes over his handling of an anti-Israel advertisement.

President Donald Trump invited Stevens to join the Republican Party at a rally in Iowa on Sunday. 'I think I’d probably. I’d love her to join the Republican Party actually,' Trump said. He noted that Stevens said things many others were hesitant to voice. The invitation underscores the personal nature of the split, which Trump framed as a recognition of shared values despite a lack of prior personal connection.

The endorsement stems from a conflict between Stevens and El-Sayed over an ad that blamed Michigan’s cost-of-living issues on U.S. aid to Israel. Stevens demanded El-Sayed condemn the ad, which was produced by a political action committee linked to media figures he has previously supported. El-Sayed’s campaign responded that its focus remains on defeating Rogers, characterizing Stevens’ actions as an attempt to relitigate a primary that ended three months ago.

Reaction from the Democratic establishment has been swift and sharp. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the move a 'despicable betrayal.' Rep. Nancy Pelosi accused Stevens of betraying Michigan families’ healthcare and future. Elissa Slotkin, Stevens’ former House colleague, criticized the move as self-serving. Susan Wild, a former roommate of Stevens in Washington, predicted Stevens would become a pariah among Democratic friends.

The internal disruption at Stevens’ office was immediate. Her chief of staff, Justin German, resigned on Sunday, along with several other staffers. German’s statement expressed support for El-Sayed and noted that the election was too important for division. Stevens’ communications director also confirmed his departure via an automated email response stating he was no longer with the office as of November 1.

The Michigan Democratic Party chair, Curtis Hertel, posted on social media that Stevens is no longer a current member of the party. Meanwhile, Mike Rogers welcomed the endorsement as a show of courage. House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters he sent Stevens a note appreciating her stance. The endorsement lands in a tight race that could determine the balance of power in the Senate.