A prominent Michigan Democrat has stood by her controversial decision to endorse Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers just days before the crucial US midterm elections, explaining her move with a straightforward statement: “I changed my mind.”
The last-minute endorsement comes at a crucial moment, with Michigan emerging as a key battleground in the fight for control of the US Congress. Stevens and El-Sayed have had significant disagreements on several issues, particularly Washington’s continued support for Israel. Stevens formally announced her support for Rogers just 48 hours before election day, making an unexpected appearance alongside the Republican candidate on Sunday.
Explaining her departure from El-Sayed’s campaign in a video shared on X, she said: “I don’t belong in Abdul’s campaign. Emphasising the values she believes represent Michigan, she added: “Who we are as Michiganders is not hate,” before making her endorsement clear: “That’s why I am endorsing Mike Rogers.”
Earlier reporting noted: Stevens announced the decision after appearing with Rogers at a Black church in Detroit. Stevens and El-Sayed have disagreed on several major issues, including American support for Israel. Michigan is widely viewed as a crucial battleground in the upcoming midterm elections, with its Senate seat potentially playing a decisive role in determining which party controls Congress. She later defended the move in an interview with CNN, calling her endorsement “rock solid. She, however, offered limited details about what changed between Saturday night and Sunday morning.
Earlier reporting noted: The sudden switch triggered backlash from Democratic leaders, while Republicans, including President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson, praised Stevens for crossing party lines.
Democrats criticise Haley Stevens
The Senate seat is currently held by a Democrat. Political analysts believe the party must defend it while also flipping several Republican-held seats to secure a majority in the US Senate and strengthen its ability to challenge President Donald Trump during the final two years of his term. During Sunday’s interview, Stevens did not offer a detailed explanation for her dramatic reversal. That’s fine. Why the anger? Why the frustration? Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer called out Stevens for endorsing Rogers, “This is a despicable betrayal from Rep.
Instead, she told CNN: “I changed my mind. (El-Sayed) said, ‘Hey, I don’t need your endorsement. Stevens,” he said.
