Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens Endorses Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan Senate Race

Democratic U.S. Representative Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Mike Rogers for Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat on Sunday, November 1, 2026, two days before voters cast ballots in a race that could determine control of the chamber.

Stevens, who lost the Democratic primary to Abdul El-Sayed in August, posted a video on social media after appearing with Rogers at Perfecting Church in Detroit. In the video she said El-Sayed had told her she was no longer welcome in his campaign. "And he's right, and that's why I am endorsing Mike Rogers for the United States Senate today," she said. She added that she does not stand with Hasan Piker, a political streamer who had campaigned with El-Sayed earlier in the cycle.

Rogers, a former representative and Trump-backed candidate, said he was honored by the endorsement. He and Stevens spoke by phone earlier that morning, according to his campaign. At the church, Stevens praised Rogers's support for Black-owned businesses. Outside, she told reporters she remained a Democrat and expected the party to retain a Senate majority, but that her vote would go to Rogers because "we have to stand with country."

The move followed weeks of public friction. Stevens had pressed El-Sayed to disavow an outside advertisement that linked U.S. military aid to Israel with rising grocery prices. She described the ad as antisemitic. El-Sayed rejected the ad's contents the next day. On Sunday he told reporters he does not think about Stevens and that the primary is over. Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel called the endorsement a betrayal of working-class voters and a distraction on the eve of the election.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer labeled it a "despicable betrayal." Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin said it betrayed the party's values. Stevens had received heavy support from the Senate Democrats' campaign arm during the primary. El-Sayed, a physician and former public health official, positioned himself as a progressive alternative.

Michigan's Senate seat is open because Democrat Gary Peters is retiring. Polls have shown a close contest. A Democratic hold or pickup here would strengthen the party's chances of controlling the chamber. Republicans currently hold a narrow majority. Stevens's cross-party step gives Rogers a visible photo opportunity in Detroit, a city where turnout among Black voters often decides statewide races.

Stevens said 90 percent of her votes in the House will still go to Democrats. Her Senate vote, she said, is one vote among many. El-Sayed's campaign had invited her to a unity event that she did not attend. Instead she appeared with Rogers. The primary had already divided the party. Stevens entered the race with institutional backing; El-Sayed won with a ground game focused on economic and foreign-policy differences, particularly on Israel.

The endorsement arrives as other races remain tight. Democrats hold leads in several key Senate contests according to late polls, but Michigan has been competitive throughout. Rogers has emphasized border security and energy production. El-Sayed has focused on healthcare costs and corporate influence. Stevens's decision removes one potential surrogate for the Democratic nominee and supplies the Republican with a high-profile local ally in the final hours.

Voters head to the polls on Tuesday, November 3. Early voting has already closed in many counties. The outcome will shape the next Congress's agenda on taxes, regulation, and foreign aid. For Michigan Democrats, the immediate task is to contain the damage from a public split that played out in real time on social media and in church pews.