Haley Stevens endorses Mike Rogers amid Michigan Democratic feud

Endorsement at Detroit church

Stevens appeared with Rogers at a Detroit church service Sunday and announced her support for his Senate campaign. In a video, she said El-Sayed had told her she was no longer welcome in his campaign and should stay away, then said she was endorsing Rogers.

The appearance surprised Democrats across the political spectrum. Stevens had recently reaffirmed she would vote for El-Sayed, a former public health official who would be the country’s first Muslim senator if elected Tuesday.

Dispute derails joint appearance

Stevens had been expected to attend a church event with El-Sayed and U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina. The plan fell apart after disagreements over Israel and an outside group’s campaign ad led to public criticism between the primary rivals.

Staff departures and campaign strains

Democrats say they remain united behind El-Sayed, but the renewed conflict has complicated efforts to deliver a common closing message. Early voting began Oct. 24, before the latest tensions erupted.

A closely watched Senate race

El-Sayed is in a tight contest with Rogers, an ex-congressman, for the seat held by retiring Democrat Gary Peters. Democrats see keeping Michigan in their hands as vital to their effort to win a Senate majority for the final two years of Trump’s second term.

The primary was among the year’s most bitter, with each candidate accusing the other of personal attacks. Tens of millions of dollars in outside spending went into the race, including money from an American Israel Public Affairs Committee-affiliated super PAC that backed Stevens. El-Sayed objected especially to an outside group’s ad accusing him of disrespecting women.