Stevens Breaks With Party to Back Rogers
Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., announced on Monday that she is endorsing Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers in Michigan’s upcoming general election. The move marks a significant departure for the incumbent representative, who previously sought the Democratic nomination for the same seat.
Stevens made the announcement following a church service at Presho Community Church in Brighton, where she appeared alongside Rogers. The appearance followed reports that she had initially planned to attend a separate service with her former primary rival, Abdul El-Sayed, to signal unity within the Democratic Party.
The Michigan Democratic Party confirmed that Stevens is no longer a member of the party and will not be in the future. A party spokesperson stated that Stevens "is not a current member of the Michigan Democratic Party and will not be in the future," according to reporting by The Washington Post.
Primary Defeat and Policy Disputes
The endorsement comes months after Stevens lost the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat to El-Sayed. The primary contest was defined by sharp disagreements over Israel policy, which contributed to the rift between the two candidates.
In a conversation with CNN’s Anderson Cooper, Stevens cited specific grievances regarding El-Sayed’s conduct during the campaign. She stated that she believed some of El-Sayed’s actions had been antisemitic and pointed to anger and a lack of kindness as major issues with the Democratic nominee.
Jason Turkish, Stevens’s fiancé, had previously endorsed Rogers for Senate. In his support for the Republican candidate, Turkish cited that Stevens had refused to moderate her language on Israel during the primary campaign.
Tensions Within Michigan’s Communities
The broader Senate race in Michigan has drawn criticism from other Democratic officials regarding the tone of the campaign. Rep. Debbie Dingell described the current political environment as fostering hate among Michigan’s Jewish, Arab, and Black communities.
Dingell called the period "one of the most despicable times in her life," highlighting the deep divisions present in the state’s political landscape. The primary contest between Stevens and El-Sayed had already highlighted tensions within these demographics before the general election began.