Democrat Haley Stevens endorses Abdul El-Sayed’s Republican rival Mike Rogers

The endorsement came in a video posted to X after Stevens attended an event with Rogers at the predominantly Black Perfecting church in Detroit on Sunday. This marks a stunning political moment in Michigan, where control of the seat could be crucial to the Democratic party.

Primary fallout

Stevens had lost by a close margin in this year's primary and had refused to openly back El-Sayed for months. Top Democrats had brokered a truce between the two, and Stevens had extended a tepid endorsement to El-Sayed.

The plans unraveled over Israel policy. Stevens, a staunch supporter of Israel, conditioned her appearance on El-Sayed denouncing an outside group's campaign ad blaming US support of Israel for rising living costs. El-Sayed declined, accusing Stevens of reopening settled primary debates.

Political consequences

As tensions escalated, El-Sayed's campaign formally disinvited Stevens from campaign events. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell later told CNN she had told Stevens "this isn't working" regarding their joint appearance, adding the tensions were a distraction.

Stevens had initially issued a statement expecting El-Sayed to win and urging people to vote, but hours later appeared with Rogers. She cited his purported future investment in Black businesses as a reason for her support.