Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens has endorsed Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s closely watched Senate race, breaking with her party’s nominee just days before the US midterm elections. Her decision has sparked anger among Democrats and added new tension to a campaign that could help decide control of the Senate.
Stevens announced her decision on Sunday, choosing Rogers over Abdul El-Sayed, who defeated her in the Democratic primary in August. The endorsement came after weeks of public disagreement over Israel, the war in Gaza and the role of outside political groups in the race.
The contest has drawn national attention as Democrats seek to regain control of Congress and limit President Donald Trump’s power. Stevens’ move has now raised questions about whether the party can maintain unity in the final days before voters cast their ballots.
Stevens had earlier promised to support El-Sayed after losing the primary. As recently as Wednesday, she said she wanted him to win. Her decision to endorse Rogers marked a sharp change in position and drew criticism from Democratic leaders.
The latest dispute began after Rebellion PAC, an independent group supporting El-Sayed, released an advertisement linking US military aid to Israel with the rising cost of living in America.
The advertisement showed a couple shopping for groceries. They put back a carton of eggs because they needed to save money for what the ad described as “killing Palestinians.” The message linked spending on Israel to the financial pressure facing ordinary Americans.
Stevens called the advertisement anti-Semitic and demanded that El-Sayed condemn it. She also criticised his arguments that funds sent to Israel could instead support schools, health care and child care in the United States.
El-Sayed said the advertisement was not produced by his campaign. He also said he disagreed with its message and accused Stevens of trying to reopen their primary fight instead of focusing on defeating Rogers.
The disagreement reflects a wider divide between the two Democrats over Israel. Stevens is a strong supporter of Israel, while El-Sayed has been an outspoken critic of Israel’s war in Gaza and US military aid to the country.
The issue played a major role in the Democratic primary. A political group linked to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee spent tens of millions of dollars supporting Stevens. Despite that support, El-Sayed won the nomination.
The conflict reached a new level on Sunday, when Stevens and El-Sayed were expected to attend a church service in Detroit. The event was meant to show unity among Democrats before the election.
Stevens did not attend. In a video posted on social media, she said El-Sayed’s campaign had told her she was no longer welcome. She then announced her support for Rogers.
However, Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Dingell offered a different account. Dingell, who helped organise the church service, said she had asked Stevens not to attend because the dispute had become too distracting.
During a television interview on Sunday, Stevens said El-Sayed had become increasingly angry during the campaign. She also accused him of actions she viewed as anti-Semitic. El-Sayed has rejected attempts to hold his campaign responsible for the independent group’s advertisement.
Stevens also criticised El-Sayed’s association with political streamer Hasan Piker. She said she could not support what she viewed as hate and argued that her decision was an effort to help the Democratic Party.
Despite endorsing Rogers, Stevens said she remained a Democrat. She said she planned to vote for Democratic candidates in about 90 percent of the other races on her ballot. However, she would support Rogers in the Senate contest.
Her decision triggered a strong response from Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. He called the endorsement a “despicable betrayal” and said Senate Democrats remained united behind El-Sayed.
Schumer urged voters to focus on health care, civil rights and policies that affect working families. He also pointed to Rogers’ support from Trump as a reason for Democrats to oppose the Republican candidate.
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin criticised Stevens’ endorsement as a betrayal of party values. He said Democrats needed to remain united rather than allow disputes to weaken their efforts during a crucial election.
The Michigan Democratic Party also condemned Stevens’ decision. Its chair, Curtis Hertel, said her move to campaign with Rogers showed that she had abandoned the values she claimed to support.
The dispute has also affected Stevens’ congressional office. Justin German, her chief of staff for eight years, announced that he and several other staff members had resigned because of her endorsement.
Stevens did not directly confirm the reported resignations during her television interview. She said her office was going through a transition as she prepares to leave Congress in January.
With the election approaching, the endorsement has added fresh uncertainty to Michigan’s Senate race. The final result could shape the balance of power in Washington, while the public dispute may leave lasting divisions within the Democratic Party.
