Haley Stevens’ decision to endorse Republican Mike Rogers over Abdul El-Sayed leaves the Democratic nominee facing a public break with a former primary rival in Michigan’s contest for the Senate seat being vacated by Democratic Senator Gary Peters.
The split followed days of rising tension between Stevens and El-Sayed’s campaign over a political action committee advertisement. Stevens had sought to make a joint appearance with El-Sayed and Representative Jim Clyburn conditional on El-Sayed rejecting an advertisement from one of his allies that was critical of Israel.
Stevens, a Democratic US representative from Michigan, cast her ballot in Birmingham, Michigan, on primary election day, Aug. 4, 2026. El-Sayed won the Democratic nomination over her earlier this year.
The dispute then became an escalating public feud. El-Sayed’s team asked Stevens to stay away from his events.
On Sunday morning, Stevens attended church with Rogers, the Republican Senate nominee. They later appeared together at a press conference in Detroit.
In a video statement, Stevens said: “Hey Michigan, as you may have seen, our Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, Abdul, said I'm no longer welcome in his campaign, and I should stay away, and he's right.”
She then said: “And that's why I am endorsing Mike Rogers for the United States Senate today.”
Stevens also said: “I don't belong in Abdul's campaign. I do not stand with Hasan Piker, who gets trafficked on our college campuses.” Piker is a controversial political commentator who has campaigned with El-Sayed.
Asked about the reaction at the Detroit press conference, Stevens told reporters: “I'm sorry people are upset.”
Rogers and El-Sayed are competing to succeed Peters, who decided against seeking re-election.
Comments (0)