Haley Stevens endorses Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan Senate race, prompting Democratic backlash and record El-Sayed fundraising
Democratic Representative Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers over fellow Democrat Abdul El-Sayed in the Michigan Senate race. The move triggered heavy condemnation from top Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel. Meanwhile, El-Sayed's campaign reported raising more than $2.4 million in a single day following the announcement.
Key points
- Democratic Representative Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Mike Rogers in the Michigan Senate race.
- Stevens cited Abdul El-Sayed's backing from political streamer Hasan Piker as her reason for refusing to support the Democratic nominee.
- Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel publicly condemned Stevens' endorsement.
- Abdul El-Sayed's campaign reported raising more than $2.4 million in a single day from over 65,000 donors following the endorsement.
What happened
Democratic Representative Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers in the Michigan Senate race. Stevens stated in a video posted on social media that she could not support fellow Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, pointing to El-Sayed's backing from political streamer Hasan Piker. The endorsement of the Trump-backed Republican candidate occurred on Sunday following months of political turmoil after Stevens lost her primary race to El-Sayed earlier in the year.
Who said what
The endorsement drew swift condemnation from party leadership. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the move a despicable betrayal and stated that his caucus remains united behind El-Sayed. Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel also criticized the decision, stating that Stevens had abandoned everything she claims to care about.
In response to the backlash, Stevens insisted she remains a proud Democrat who loves Michigan, but maintained she could not support El-Sayed. El-Sayed brushed off the endorsement, telling reporters he does not think about Stevens or Rogers and remains focused on voters and policy. El-Sayed's campaign spokesperson, Cole Wozniak, stated that the momentum behind the campaign has never been stronger as Michiganders head to the polls.
Context
The political fallout follows a competitive primary contest between Stevens and El-Sayed earlier in the year, where Stevens ran as the more moderate establishment candidate. El-Sayed has also faced heightened scrutiny in recent months over his association with Hasan Piker, prompting El-Sayed to attempt to distance himself from the streamer amid controversy surrounding Piker's past statements.
What happens next
As voters head to the polls in the final stretch of the Michigan race, El-Sayed's campaign reported a record-breaking single-day fundraising haul of more than $2.4 million from over 65,000 donors, with nearly 29,600 people contributing for the first time.
Why it matters
Representative Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Mike Rogers in the Michigan Senate race, prompting sharp rebukes from party leaders and a record-breaking single-day fundraising surge for Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed.
What we know
- Democratic Representative Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Mike Rogers in the Michigan Senate race.
- Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel publicly condemned Stevens' endorsement.
- Abdul El-Sayed's campaign reported raising more than $2.4 million in a single day from more than 65,000 donors following the endorsement.
What remains unclear
- Chuck Schumer described the endorsement as a despicable betrayal, which is characterized as an allegation.
How the story developed
Haley Stevens endorses Republican Mike Rogers
Representative Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Mike Rogers over Abdul El-Sayed in the Michigan Senate race, triggering a major party backlash.
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