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

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

Stevens, who lost the August Democratic primary to Abdul El-Sayed, made the announcement after attending a service at Perfecting Church on Detroit's east side alongside Rogers. In a video posted to social media she said El-Sayed had told her she was no longer welcome in his campaign and that she should stay away. "And he's right," she stated. "And that's why I am endorsing Mike Rogers for the United States Senate today."

She described herself as a proud Democrat and said she did not stand with streamer Hasan Piker, who had appeared with El-Sayed earlier in the cycle. Stevens told reporters outside the church that she understood people were upset. Rogers said he was honored by the support and that the two had spoken by phone that morning.

The move followed weeks of public friction. Stevens had pressed El-Sayed to disavow an outside advertisement. El-Sayed's campaign then indicated she was not welcome at a planned unity event that included Representative James Clyburn. Democratic leaders including Michigan party chair Curtis Hertel and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned the endorsement as a betrayal. Schumer called the attacks on El-Sayed racist and Islamophobic. DNC chair Ken Martin labeled it a betrayal of party values.

Michigan's Democratic Party issued a statement rejecting efforts to divide the party and noting Rogers' support for a national abortion ban and alignment with former President Donald Trump. El-Sayed told reporters he did not think about Stevens and that the primary was over.

Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take control. Michigan is among the most competitive contests. Polls in the final days showed tight margins. Stevens' cross-party appearance at a predominantly Black church gave Rogers a visible photo opportunity in a race where both parties have courted Black and Jewish voters.

The primary between Stevens and El-Sayed had already exposed divisions over Israel policy and campaign tactics. Stevens had initially said she would support the nominee after her loss. She reversed that position after the latest exchange. Rogers, a former House member, has framed the endorsement as a statement against hate rather than a routine political calculation.

Michigan voters head to the polls on November 3. Early voting and absentee ballots are already in process. The outcome will shape the next Congress on issues ranging from spending and immigration to foreign policy. Stevens remains a sitting member of the House. Her endorsement does not change her party affiliation, but it removes a potential Democratic surrogate in the closing hours of the campaign.

Local coverage documented Stevens and Rogers seated together during the church service. Rogers later stood with her before cameras. Democratic officials who had spoken with Stevens on Saturday said she had assured them she would vote for El-Sayed. The Sunday announcement caught many of them by surprise.

The race also draws attention because of El-Sayed's background as a physician and his earlier progressive positioning. Rogers has emphasized economic issues and border security. With control of the Senate at stake, outside groups have poured resources into Michigan. The last-minute endorsement adds a personal fracture to an already expensive contest.

Stevens' district includes suburban communities that have shifted in recent cycles. Her decision may test how voters weigh party loyalty against individual candidate preferences in a midterm environment defined by high turnout expectations and polarized national figures.