Haley Stevens endorses Mike Rogers, bucking Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan Senate race

November 1, 2026

Democratic Representative Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Mike Rogers for US Senate just two days before the November 3 election, breaking from her party's nominee Abdul El-Sayed following disputes over Israel policy and campaign dynamics. Stevens joined Rogers at a Detroit church while other Democrats held a separate unity event supporting El-Sayed, whose victory is considered crucial for Democratic control of the Senate. The endorsement triggered immediate backlash from Democratic leaders and prompted Stevens' chief of staff and other staffers to resign in protest.

Who is affected

**Abdul El-Sayed** - Democratic Senate nominee losing a key Democratic endorsement
**Mike Rogers** - Republican Senate candidate gaining a cross-party endorsement
**Haley Stevens** - Democratic Representative facing backlash from her party
**Justin German and other Stevens' staff members** - Resigned their positions in protest
**Democratic Party leadership** - Including state party Chair Curtis Hertel who criticized Stevens
**Black and Jewish voters** - Key constituencies being courted in Wayne and Oakland Counties
**Rep. Debbie Dingell** - Organizer who had to cancel planned unity event
**Democratic Party overall** - Facing internal division before a critical election
**Gary Peters** - Retiring senator whose seat is being contested

What action is being taken

Stevens is actively campaigning with Rogers at church events
Other Democrats are holding separate events to support El-Sayed
Democratic leaders are publicly criticizing Stevens' decision
Republicans are praising Stevens on social media
Early voting has been underway since October 24
Democrats are working to drive turnout among Black and Jewish voters

Why it matters

This endorsement is significant because it could decide control of the US Senate during the final two years of President Trump's second term. The public split within the Democratic Party just before Election Day undermines efforts to present a united front and could suppress turnout in crucial Detroit-area counties where Democratic votes are essential. The controversy also highlights deep divisions within the party over Israel policy and threatens to alienate both Black and Jewish voters who form important parts of the Democratic coalition. If elected, El-Sayed would become the country's first Muslim senator, making this race historically significant beyond its immediate political implications.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article beyond the election occurring on Tuesday, November 3.

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com