Michigan Democrat Haley Stevens backs Republican Mike Rogers in Senate race

Democratic congresswoman Haley Stevens has endorsed Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers in Michigan, abandoning her party’s nominee Abdul El-Sayed two days before the US midterm elections.

Stevens announced her decision on Sunday after attending a church service in Detroit with Rogers. The endorsement stunned Michigan Democrats, who had hoped for a show of unity in the closely watched contest for a seat that could help determine control of the Senate. [AP News](https://apnews.com/article/d7053bbd0ed2fd70756896c6e4b66a27) reported the endorsement, also covered by the BBC.

Stevens had been due to appear at a separate church event with El-Sayed and other Democrats. She said El-Sayed’s campaign had told her she was no longer welcome, and added: “And he’s right. And that’s why I am endorsing Mike Rogers for the United States Senate today.”

El-Sayed, who narrowly defeated Stevens in August’s Democratic primary, played down the move. “At the end of the day I actually don’t think about Haley Stevens,” he told reporters, saying he was focused on voters and policy.

The endorsement followed months of tension between the candidates. Stevens, a strong supporter of Israel, has criticised El-Sayed over his positions and associations, including appearances with streamer Hasan Piker. The race has also exposed disagreements among Democrats over how to appeal to voters in Detroit, where Black and Jewish voters are important parts of the party’s coalition.

Stevens’ decision prompted a backlash within her party. Her longtime chief of staff resigned, while Michigan Democratic Party chair Curtis Hertel said she was no longer a member and would not be in the future. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called the endorsement a “despicable betrayal”.

Republicans welcomed the split. President Donald Trump praised Stevens, and a Republican National Committee spokesman said Democrats who felt abandoned by El-Sayed had a home with Rogers.

Early voting had already begun, with more than 1.8 million people having voted in Michigan by the Friday before Election Day. The candidates are due to face voters on 3 November.