Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens of Michigan’s 11th District has endorsed Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers, just two days before Election Day, in a move that blindsided party leaders and fellow lawmakers.
Stevens had been the main primary opponent of Abdul El-Sayed, who was backed by the Democratic Socialists of America. Her decision to back Rogers over her own party’s nominee drew swift condemnation from Democratic officials, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, who had endorsed Stevens over El-Sayed back in June, viewing her as the more electable candidate.
Michigan Democratic Party chair Curtis Hertel reacted on social media, writing, “Congresswoman Stevens is not a current member of the Michigan Democratic Party, nor will she be in the future.”
Raskin Caught Off Guard
Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, appeared on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday morning, before Stevens’ endorsement became public, and told moderator Kristen Welker that he had spoken with Stevens the night before.
“I spoke last night to Haley Stevens, and I spoke to Abdul as well, and my wonderful friend Haley Stevens wants me to represent to you and everybody else I talk to that she is voting straight down the line on the Democratic ticket, and she’s going to be celebrating with Democrats across the country when we win on Tuesday night,” Raskin said.
Hours later, Stevens appeared at a joint event with former Rep. Mike Rogers at a Detroit church, announcing her endorsement of the Republican candidate.
Raskin’s reaction, captured afterward, reflected his surprise: “I’m dumbfounded that Haley told me one thing last night and changed her mind today.” He later told the New York Times he was “blindsided” by the development.
The episode has added a dramatic, last-minute twist to a closely watched Senate race in Michigan, with Democratic leaders now grappling with how to respond to a sitting member of their own House delegation crossing party lines so close to Election Day.
