Michigan Democrats are working to limit the political damage after Representative Haley Stevens unexpectedly endorsed Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers, her former rival Abdul El-Sayed’s opponent, just days before the election. The move has intensified an already bitter struggle between the party’s progressive and centrist factions in a race that could help determine control of the Senate.
Stevens lost the Democratic Senate primary to El-Sayed in August, receiving 48.5% of the vote. The result was decided by fewer than 15,000 ballots and required a 13-hour count, highlighting the narrow divide between the two wings of the party. El-Sayed entered the general election with a slight lead over Rogers, but the margin remained within the polls’ error range.
The announcement prompted strong reactions among Democrats. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi accused Stevens of dangerously betraying Michigan families’ healthcare, freedoms and future, while Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer described the endorsement as a “despicable betrayal.” El-Sayed has also received backing from prominent progressives, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, as well as support from centrist figures.
His campaign plans to hold an improvised event in Detroit on Monday evening with a surprise guest as party figures seek to reinforce support before voters go to the polls. Progressive activists in the city have also sought to keep the focus on economic issues rather than Stevens’ decision.
James Johnson, political director of the nonpartisan Detroit Action, said the organization was focused on improving conditions for communities of color and working-class residents. He argued that voters would ultimately choose between a candidate representing financial interests and one focused on working people.
The dispute between Stevens and El-Sayed has also exposed a major policy divide over Israel. If elected, El-Sayed would become the first Muslim senator in U.S. history and would likely be among the Senate’s strongest critics of Israel. Stevens, by contrast, received $30 million in support from the pro-Israel lobby during her campaign, described as a record amount.
Republicans, including Donald Trump, have welcomed Stevens’ endorsement. Trump praised the move on his social network and highlighted her influence among Black and Jewish communities, two groups whose support could be important in the Michigan contest.
Stevens said she remained a Democrat and still wanted the party to win elsewhere, but that she could not support El-Sayed’s campaign, which she characterized as driven by anger. Appearing on CNN, she was unable to explain in detail what had changed between Saturday night, when she reportedly said she would not switch sides, and Sunday morning, when she endorsed Rogers. The electoral and political consequences of the decision remain uncertain.
Sources: El País Internacional.