Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan's US Senate race on Sunday, two days before the election. She lost the Democratic primary to Abdul El-Sayed and said he had made clear she was not welcome in his campaign. Democratic leaders condemned the move, and President Trump praised it.
Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens announced on Sunday that she was endorsing Republican Mike Rogers over Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan's US Senate race, two days before the election. Stevens lost the Senate primary in August after a rancorous battle with El-Sayed, and Rogers is a former congressman.
Stevens' stated reason
In her video, Stevens said El-Sayed had told her she was no longer welcome in his campaign and should stay away, and that this is why she was endorsing Rogers. She said El-Sayed made clear she was not welcome, and he reportedly asked her not to attend a planned Sunday unity event. Many of her staff reportedly resigned immediately after her announcement.
Reactions
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called the endorsement a despicable betrayal. Michigan Democratic Party chair Curtis Hertel said the decision shows she has abandoned everything she claims to care about, and he rejected attempts to divide the party. President Trump called Stevens very brave and said he would love her to join the Republican Party.
