Democratic Representative Haley Stevens said she felt “a weight lifted from her shoulders” after publicly endorsing Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers in Michigan on Sunday. She explained her decision during an interview with CNN, saying she had woken up feeling clear-minded and focused on her convictions.
Stevens, who lost to Abdul El-Sayed in the Democratic primary, referred to what she described as anger and a lack of kindness from the candidate she had previously supported. She called for greater civility within the Democratic Party and said differences of opinion should be accepted.
Although Stevens said she had not yet voted, she insisted that her decision was final. She also said she was acting independently and reflecting what she had heard from voters, without providing further details.
El-Sayed played down the impact of the endorsement when questioned by reporters Sunday evening. He said his focus remained on issues affecting voters, including the high cost of living, and dismissed the episode as unimportant.
Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who had backed Stevens during the primary, condemned her decision on social media, calling it a betrayal.
Sources: Le Monde International.