Michigan Democrat Haley Stevens Endorses Republican Mike Rogers Days Before Senate Vote

Democratic Representative Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Mike Rogers for the US Senate seat in Michigan on 1 November, two days before the midterm elections. The move ends her earlier support for the Democratic nominee, Abdul El-Sayed, and adds uncertainty to a race that could help decide control of the Senate.

Stevens, who lost the Democratic primary to El-Sayed in August, posted a video on X stating that she did not belong in El-Sayed’s campaign. She said the campaign’s direction did not represent Michigan and that she remained a proud Democrat while endorsing Rogers. She appeared with Rogers at Perfecting Church in Detroit earlier on Sunday.

In the video Stevens 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 stated. She added that she loved the state and was declaring where she stood as a Michigander.

El-Sayed responded by noting that an outside advertisement critical of him had not been produced by his campaign. He accused Stevens of reopening the primary feud. Democratic leaders moved to limit the damage. The endorsement gives Rogers a visible cross-party image in the final days of a tight contest.

Michigan’s Senate race is one of several that will determine whether Democrats gain the four seats needed for a majority. Voter concerns about the Iran war, prices and the president’s standing have put several Republican-held seats in play. Rogers is the Republican nominee; El-Sayed won the Democratic primary.

Stevens told reporters that she had been booed off the stage when she stood with her party after the primary. She said she had never felt fully welcome in the El-Sayed campaign. Her public appearance with Rogers at the Detroit church included praise for his support of Black-owned businesses.

The timing is unusual. Party-line endorsements almost always hold through election day in high-profile Senate races. Stevens’ switch is the most prominent Democratic defection in the current cycle. National Democratic organisations have sought to keep focus on other competitive states while addressing the Michigan development.

Rogers has campaigned on economic issues and border security. El-Sayed has emphasised health care, wages and opposition to the Iran conflict. Polling in the final weeks showed a close race. The endorsement is expected to be used in Rogers’ closing advertising.

Stevens represents a Michigan congressional district and has been a visible Democratic voice on manufacturing and trade. Her decision does not affect her own House seat, which is not on the ballot in the same way. She stated she still expects Democrats to win a Senate majority overall.

Election day is 3 November. Early voting has already closed in many states. Michigan allows same-day registration and has expanded mail options. The final outcome in this race will be watched closely for its effect on the next Congress.