Michigan Democrat Haley Stevens backs Republican Rogers two days before Senate vote

Haley Stevens, a Democratic U.S. House member from Michigan, announced on Sunday that she is endorsing Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers, just two days before the mid‑term election.

Stevens had previously supported the Democratic nominee Abdul El‑Sayed, who defeated her in the August primary. In a CNN interview she said she “changed my mind” and that El‑Sayed told her he did not need her endorsement.

The last‑minute endorsement has drawn sharp criticism from Democratic colleagues, including Senate leader Chuck Schumer, who called it a “despicable betrayal”. Michigan Democratic Party chair Curtis Hertel said Stevens is no longer a member of the party.

Republicans welcomed the move, with Rogers describing it as “courage” and former President Donald Trump calling Stevens “very brave”.

Stevens maintained she still loves the Democratic Party but said she could not remain with El‑Sayed’s campaign, stating, “Who we are as Michiganders is not hate.” The seat is currently held by Democrats, and analysts say retaining it is crucial for the party’s hopes of controlling the U.S. Senate.

Source: BBC News. Photo: Allen Beilschmidt sr. / Pexels.