‘Stay off television’ jab: Fellow Dems ripped Haley Stevens for refusing to explicitly back Sayed
Stevens describes her support
During a CNN appearance on State of the Union, Stevens said she generally backed Michigan Democrats running in the midterms. She did not directly endorse El-Sayed when asked about him.
Stevens responded that she remained part of the team. She had previously competed against El-Sayed for the Democratic Senate nomination and did not win.
Progressive leader criticizes response
Leah Greenberg, head of the progressive group Indivisible, criticized Stevens online. Greenberg said voters were already casting ballots and urged Stevens to offer an unequivocal endorsement. Greenberg warned that the Democratic nominee could be pivotal to flipping the Senate. She told Stevens to stay off television if she could not give a full endorsement.
Dispute unfolds before midterms
The criticism focused on Stevens’s refusal to name El-Sayed directly, rather than her broad statement of support for the state party’s ticket. Progressives accused her of weakening a fellow Democrat.
The exchange highlights disagreement among Michigan Democrats as the midterm elections approach. El-Sayed is the party’s Senate nominee after defeating Stevens in the primary.
Key points
- Stevens said she remained on the team but did not directly name El-Sayed.
- Stevens lost the Michigan Democratic Senate primary to El-Sayed.
- Indivisible leader Leah Greenberg called for a full endorsement.
- Greenberg said voters were casting ballots every day.