Stevens backs Rogers, while El-Sayed rejects questions about the switch
Stevens, who lost the Democratic Senate primary to El-Sayed in August, announced Sunday that she was backing Rogers instead. She had previously supported El-Sayed and said she had planned to campaign with him, but felt unwelcome in his campaign. Stevens said her vote would go to Rogers and argued that voters must reject hate and stand with the country.
At a Detroit church event with Rep. Jim Clyburn and Black supporters, El-Sayed asked reporters to focus on issues facing Michigan residents rather than the endorsement. He said he was less interested in answering questions about Stevens and Rogers, and said he was focused on the state’s other residents.
Stevens cited El-Sayed’s association with online commentator Hasan Piker and his use of a campaign ad featuring Tucker Carlson as reasons for her decision. El-Sayed has called a past remark by Piker about September 11 “dumb.” Stevens has also criticized El-Sayed for not reaching out to Black voters; he appeared with Clyburn as he sought support in Detroit.
The endorsement drew criticism from some Democrats, including Reps. Jared Huffman and Sam Liccardo. Stevens’ former chief aide said he and numerous other staff members had resigned in response. Rogers welcomed Stevens’ support. Stevens said she expected the race to be close.
Stevens’ Rogers endorsement deepens Democratic divisions before election
A Democratic congresswoman’s decision to back the Republican in Michigan’s Senate race has thrown fresh turmoil into the party just before voters go to the polls. Haley Stevens, who lost the Democratic primary to Abdul El-Sayed in August and had previously supported him, said she would vote for Mike Rogers instead.
Stevens said El-Sayed had made clear she was not welcome in his campaign. She pointed to his association with online commentator Hasan Piker and his use of an ad featuring Tucker Carlson. El-Sayed has called one of Piker’s past remarks about September 11 “dumb.” But Stevens’ break with her party’s nominee drew sharp criticism from Democrats, including Reps. Jared Huffman and Sam Liccardo.
Stevens’ former senior aide said he and numerous members of her team resigned over the endorsement. That reaction underscores the stakes of a public split so close to the election. Stevens said the contest would be close and framed her choice as a matter of standing with the country.
El-Sayed, appearing with Rep. Jim Clyburn and Black supporters at a Detroit church, urged reporters to ask about issues facing Michigan residents rather than Stevens’ decision. He said his focus was on the state’s residents, as he sought support in Detroit. With the party divided over the endorsement and El-Sayed’s associations, the race now heads into its final days.
Stevens chooses Rogers as El-Sayed dodges questions on endorsement
Haley Stevens has put a spotlight on the concerns surrounding Abdul El-Sayed by withdrawing her support for the Democratic nominee and backing Republican Mike Rogers instead. Stevens, who lost to El-Sayed in the August primary, said she could not stand with hate and cited El-Sayed’s association with Hasan Piker and a campaign ad featuring Tucker Carlson.
At a Detroit church event with Rep. Jim Clyburn and Black supporters, El-Sayed asked reporters not to focus on Stevens’ endorsement. He said he was less interested in questions about her and Rogers than in discussing issues affecting Michigan residents. The response left the striking break between the two Democrats at the center of political debate on November 1.
Stevens said El-Sayed had made clear she was unwelcome in his campaign. She also said she had concerns about his outreach to Black voters. El-Sayed has described a past Piker remark about September 11 as “dumb,” while Stevens has made his connection to the commentator part of her explanation for backing Rogers.
The switch has split Democrats: Reps. Jared Huffman and Sam Liccardo criticized Stevens, while her former chief aide said he and numerous staff members resigned. Rogers welcomed the endorsement. Stevens said the race would be close, leaving the party’s dispute over its nominee and her choice to back his Republican opponent unfolding just before voters decide.
Reported by The Daily Wire, Hot Air, CNN.
