Turmoil in Michigan Senate race as Democrat appears with Republican Mike Rogers

Separate church appearances

Stevens attended a Detroit church service with Rogers on Sunday. El-Sayed joined prominent Michigan and national Democrats at a different service nearby, as the party sought to show unity before Tuesday’s vote.

The former primary rivals had initially planned to attend a church gathering together with U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina. Michigan congresswoman Debbie Dingell, who helped arrange the appearance, said she asked Stevens to step aside and that Stevens agreed.

Dispute over Israel

The rift partly reflects disagreement over Israel. Stevens has criticized El-Sayed’s position, and her fiancé said last week he planned to vote for Rogers, arguing El-Sayed had not adequately addressed concerns in the Jewish community.

In a Friday statement, Stevens said El-Sayed could start his pledge to remove money from politics by no longer making Israel an explanation for what Michigan cannot afford. On Saturday night, she said she was pleased that El-Sayed had disagreed with an outside advertisement.

El-Sayed said Stevens appeared focused on revisiting a primary that had ended three months earlier, and urged attention to the immediate task. He continued scheduled church visits Sunday with Clyburn and other party figures.

Primary tensions persist

El-Sayed objected to an outside advertisement that accused him of disrespecting women. Some Jewish leaders and voters have also criticized his past comments about Israel and campaign appearances with streamer Hasan Piker.

Dingell said people should focus on the issues voters will consider Tuesday rather than the conflict between Stevens and El-Sayed. She also said Rogers enjoyed the attention.

Turnout remains central

Democrats are concentrating on turnout in Detroit, where about three-quarters of residents are Black. Strong support there is essential to statewide success, as the election could help decide control of Capitol Hill.