Democratic politicians have strongly condemned Congresswoman Haley Stevens following her endorsement of Republican Mike Rogers in the fiercely contested Michigan Senate race. Stevens, who lost the Democratic primary to Abdul El-Sayed, made the extraordinary move just days before the midterm vote, a decision that has roiled one of the most significant contests of the election cycle. The endorsement marks the culmination of an escalating feud between the former primary rivals, primarily centered on their differing stances regarding support for Israel.
Top Democratic leaders have expressed immediate outrage at what they describe as a betrayal. California Governor Gavin Newsom commented on the political talkshow 2WAY, noting that Stevens appeared to make a sudden 180-degree turn overnight. He suggested that her actions were distracting from the party's goals and could be considered an "October surprise." Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also reacted negatively, with his campaign account labeling the endorsement a "despicable betrayal." In a statement, Schumer emphasized Democratic unity behind El-Sayed, contrasting him with Rogers, whom he described as a tool of Donald Trump and billionaire donors. Schumer further criticized the Republican Party for resorting to racist and Islamophobic attacks against El-Sayed.
Michigan's Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel stated that Stevens' decision to campaign with Rogers demonstrates that she has abandoned her claimed values. Hertel highlighted Rogers' record, including his support for a national abortion ban and his pledge to vote loyally for Trump's agenda. He affirmed the party's rejection of attempts to divide Democrats or undermine their momentum in the final hours before the election. Senator Bernie Sanders joined the criticism on social media, asserting that Stevens' staff was right to resign in disgust over her decision. Sanders argued that the election in Michigan is more important than Stevens' ego and called for unity to defeat Rogers.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also criticized Stevens, stating she betrayed working-class people by endorsing the very Republican candidate she had previously said she wanted to run against. Meanwhile, Donald Trump praised Stevens for her defection during a campaign event in Iowa, suggesting she should join the Republican Party. Trump repeatedly referred to El-Sayed as a "jihadist" and used brazenly racist terms, claiming Congress would need a special metal detector if El-Sayed were elected.
The controversy has also impacted Stevens' own team. Reports indicate that several staff members resigned following her endorsement of Rogers, including her long-time chief of staff, Justin German, and communications director, Logan Basch. German later released a statement on behalf of the campaign team expressing shock at Stevens' decision and reaffirming their support for El-Sayed.
In other political developments, a judge dismissed a lawsuit backed by Donald Trump that sought to block the certification of Alaska's Senate race if incumbent Dan Sullivan loses. Additionally, Democratic Senator Chris Murphy was hospitalized after suffering a stroke while attending his son's hockey game. Separately, reports indicate that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is re-arresting immigrants who were previously released from detention after winning habeas corpus petitions in court.
Sources: The Guardian World.