At Detroit church, primary opponent Haley Stevens endorses GOP candidate Mike Rogers in Michigan Senate race against Abdul El-Sayed
Stevens backs Rogers in Detroit
Stevens announced her endorsement of Rogers on Sunday at Perfecting Church in Detroit. In a video, she said El-Sayed’s campaign had told her she was no longer welcome and that she should stay away. “And that’s why I am endorsing Mike Rogers,” Stevens said.
The endorsement surprised Democrats, coming days after Stevens had publicly reaffirmed she would vote for El-Sayed. She had also been expected to join him and U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn at a church event, but those plans fell apart amid escalating criticism between the primary rivals.
Staff departures follow endorsement
Stevens’ longtime chief of staff resigned after the church appearance, and more staff members were expected to leave, according to a person familiar with the developments. The person spoke anonymously to discuss internal matters.
Rep. Debbie Dingell, who helped organize the planned joint event, said she had asked Stevens not to attend and that Stevens had agreed. Dingell also said the bishop was upset because it was a church service.
A close contest with national stakes
El-Sayed, a former Michigan public health official, is running against Rogers, a former congressman, for the Senate seat held by retiring Democrat Gary Peters. Democrats see keeping the seat as important to their effort to win a Senate majority for the final two years of President Donald Trump’s second term.
The latest dispute comes as Democrats work to turn out Black and Jewish voters in key areas. The renewed infighting could hinder their effort to present a united message in Detroit, where turnout may be decisive.
Primary divisions linger
The Democratic primary was bitter, with both candidates accusing the other of personal attacks and tens of millions of dollars in outside spending. An affiliated super PAC of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee supported Stevens; El-Sayed objected in particular to an ad accusing him of disrespecting women.
Stevens has criticized El-Sayed’s comments about Israel. Some Jewish voters and leaders have also criticized his past rhetoric and campaign appearances with streamer Hasan Piker. Stevens defeated El-Sayed in Wayne and Oakland counties in the August primary, where she drew support from Black and Jewish voters.
Key points
- Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Mike Rogers at a Detroit church service Sunday.
- Stevens had recently said she would vote for Democrat Abdul El-Sayed.
- The endorsement prompted her longtime chief of staff to resign.
- Democrats say Michigan’s Senate contest could affect control of the chamber.