Haley Stevens Defends Endorsement of Republican Mike Rogers Over Abdul El-Sayed

Michigan Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens defended her decision to endorse Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers over Democratic nominee Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, saying her choice was motivated by what she believes is best for Michigan and the country.

Rep. Haley Stevens appears with Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers after endorsing him over Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan's Senate race. [Photo: Haley STevens Facebook]

Speaking alongside Rogers at a joint press conference, Stevens said she would continue voting for Democratic candidates in most races but would support Rogers in the Senate contest.

“90% of the votes I'm going to cast are going to be for Democrats. My vote for Senate, I am just one vote, as is every Michigander. My vote for Senate is going to be with Mike Rogers. And I will tell you why. Because we have to stand with country,” Stevens said.

Stevens had previously indicated that she would support El-Sayed after losing to him in the Democratic Senate primary.

However, she reversed her position following a dispute over her participation in his campaign.

Stevens said she had endorsed the Democratic nominee but felt excluded from his campaign after El-Sayed indicated that she was no longer welcome at campaign events.

“I did endorse the Democratic nominee, and he chose to close his campaign by saying I wasn't welcome,” she said, defending her decision as a matter of personal conviction.

El-Sayed and Stevens had faced a contentious primary campaign, with disagreements resurfacing in the final days before the November 3 midterm elections.

Stevens had also criticized an advertisement from an outside group that she considered antisemitic and called on El-Sayed to disavow it.

President Donald Trump praised Stevens after she announced her endorsement of Rogers on November 1. The move drew criticism from Democratic leaders, who reiterated their support for El-Sayed.