Rep. Haley Stevens endorses Republican Mike Rogers for Michigan Senate

Democratic U.S. Representative Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, in Detroit. The endorsement comes two days before the election for the seat being vacated by Democratic Sen. Gary Peters.

The Endorsement and Motivations

Stevens announced her decision via a video statement on X, appearing alongside Rogers at Perfecting Church in Detroit. Stevens stated, “Our Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, Abdul, said I’m no longer welcome in his campaign, and I should stay away, and he’s right,” and added, “And that’s why I am endorsing Mike Rogers for the United States Senate today.”

Stevens cited concerns regarding political rhetoric and the presence of political commentator Hasan Piker, who has campaigned with El-Sayed. “Because when you see hate, when you see us standing with Hasan Piker, and repeated hate, it's not acceptable,” Stevens said.

Reactions from Candidates and Party Leaders

Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed dismissed the endorsement, stating, “I actually don’t think about Haley Stevens.” El-Sayed noted, “There are families that are preparing to send their kids to schools tomorrow that look like they did 50 years ago. They’re worried about what they’re going to feed their kids for lunch. They’re worried that if one of their kids gets sick, they’re not going to be able to pay the bills. Those are the things that matter.”

Republican nominee Mike Rogers described Stevens as a "courageous leader" and said the endorsement was "more a statement about standing together against hate and the future of this state and this country than it is anything else."

Political leaders expressed varying views on the move:

• Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer: Called the endorsement "a despicable betrayal from Rep. Stevens" and stated, "Senate Democrats are united in our support for Abdul El-Sayed."
• Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel: Stated, “Congresswoman Stevens is not a current member of the Michigan Democratic Party, nor will she be in the future."
• President Donald Trump: Praised the move on Truth Social, stating, "She showed great and almost unprecedented loyalty to the Great People of Michigan with what she did."

Impact and Staff Resignations

Following the announcement, several staffers resigned from Stevens' congressional office. Justin German, Stevens' chief of staff for eight years, said in a statement, “As of this morning, many members of our team have resigned, including myself,” and added, “We are shocked and heartbroken by Congresswoman Stevens’ decision to support Mike Rogers."

Peter Wielhouwer, an associate professor of political science at Western Michigan University, noted that the decision follows a deteriorating relationship between Stevens and El-Sayed, largely centered on U.S. support for Israel and a controversial advertisement from Rebellion PAC regarding grocery prices. El-Sayed's campaign stated it was not involved or affiliated with the ad.

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Sources

• cnbc.com: Michigan Senate: Stevens endorses Rogers over El-Sayed
• cbsaustin.com: Haley Stevens' endorsement of Mike Rogers raises questions about voter impact in Michigan
• okcfox.com: Haley Stevens' endorsement of Mike Rogers raises questions about voter impact in Michigan
• fox11online.com: Dem. Haley Stevens endorses Republican Mike Rogers after clash with Abdul El-Sayed
• arcwestmichigan.com: Haley Stevens' endorsement of Mike Rogers raises questions about voter impact in Michigan
• cirebontimes.com: Stevens Endorses Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan Senate Race

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.