Democrats talking expelling Haley Stevens after shock GOP endorsement sparks party backlash

Endorsement draws swift response

Stevens endorsed Mike Rogers over Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan’s Senate race on Sunday. The Michigan Democratic Party then removed her from the party. Some members of the Democratic House caucus are considering whether to expel Stevens. An unnamed Democratic lawmaker told NBC News that members were upset and questioned whether her endorsement violated caucus rules against supporting candidates running against Democrats.

Democrats propose further penalties

One House Democrat called for Stevens to lose her committee assignments and be barred from caucus meetings through the end of her term on January 3, 2027. California Rep. Lateefah Simon told Axios she should be removed from the caucus, and Washington Rep. Emily Randall said she would support that step.

A lawmaker told Axios Stevens would face substantial consequences. Former New York Rep. Jamaal Bowman said remaining in the caucus and facing criticism from colleagues might be preferable to being expelled.

Stevens responds to criticism

Stevens is not running for reelection to the House because of her Senate bid, and she has not disclosed her next steps. In a statement, she said she planned to help lead an effort to build a stronger, more welcoming and more courageous Democratic Party.

In a statement posted Monday night on X, Stevens criticized Democrats calling for her removal. She said she was troubled that party leaders had condemned her and questioned her motives instead of asking why a longtime Democrat had reached this point.

Jeffries calls for discussion

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats should discuss appropriate steps after the election. The article reports that caucus members are considering expulsion, but does not say that a decision has been made.