Democratic Representative Haley Stevens has publicly backed Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers in Michigan, triggering fresh tensions within the Democratic Party ahead of the November midterm elections.
US Midterm twist: Politics is the art of impossible, In a surprising move, Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens appears with GOP nominee for Senate Mike Rogers amid rift with Abdul El-Sayed. Endorses Mike Rogers. Michigan is a key Senate race for November 3. What do you think will happen next at the midterms. .@MikeRogersForMI .@HaleyforMI .@AbdulElSayed
— Saurabh Shukla सौरभ शुक्ल (@isaurabhshukla) November 1, 2026
Stevens announced her decision in a video posted on X on Sunday, following a growing dispute with Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed, who defeated her in the primary. Referring to their disagreement, Stevens said, “He’s right, and that’s why I am endorsing Mike Rogers.”
She also criticised political commentator Hasan Piker, who had campaigned alongside El-Sayed during the primary.
Stevens’ announcement came after she made an unexpected appearance with Rogers at Perfecting Church in Detroit, where the two were seen embracing. Rogers later described her decision as an act of political courage.
The endorsement immediately drew criticism from Democrats. Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel accused Stevens of abandoning her stated principles by supporting Rogers, citing his positions on workers’ interests and abortion rights.
Meanwhile, Stevens’ chief of staff, Justin German, has resigned, with further departures reportedly expected from her office.
Despite the controversy, Stevens maintained that she remains a committed Democrat and continues to stand by her political beliefs.
