After Supporting El-Sayed, Haley Tries to Explain Backing Mike Rogers as a Centrist Choice
A sudden endorsement shift
Stevens appeared with Rogers and announced her support on Sunday, two days before Tuesday’s midterm elections. In a video posted to X, she explained the endorsement after previously conceding the Democratic primary and backing its winner, Abdul El-Sayed.
Stevens said El-Sayed had asked her not to attend a Sunday event, although she had initially been scheduled to appear with him. CNN reported that on Saturday night she was still supporting El-Sayed and rejecting talk of switching parties.
Stevens defends her decision
Speaking with Anderson Cooper, Stevens described her choice as one guided by her own feelings. She told CNN that her position had not changed and said she was firmly committed to supporting Rogers.
Asked why she broke with her party so close to Election Day, Stevens offered little further explanation. Her endorsement came after she lost a close Democratic primary to El-Sayed in August.
Policy tensions shape contest
Stevens and El-Sayed have disagreed over foreign policy since the primary, including criticism of Israel. A recent dispute involved an outside liberal group’s ad connecting U.S. support for Israel with higher prices in the United States.
El-Sayed has also faced attacks from Rogers and President Trump. Trump invoked 9/11 and called El-Sayed a “jihadist” without citing evidence, prompting accusations of Islamophobia and broad criticism. Asked about Stevens’ endorsement, El-Sayed said he was focused on issues affecting Michigan voters.
Key points
- Stevens endorsed Republican Mike Rogers on Sunday, shortly before Tuesday’s midterm elections.
- She had previously backed Abdul El-Sayed after losing the Democratic primary to him in August.
- Chuck Schumer condemned the endorsement, and several Stevens staff members reportedly resigned.
- El-Sayed said he was focusing on issues affecting Michigan voters.