In the final days of a closely watched Michigan Senate race, Democratic nominee Dr. Abdul El-Sayed maintains a strong lead over Republican opponent Mike Rogers, despite an unexpected endorsement defection from Representative Haley Stevens, according to a recent New York Times/Siena University poll.
The rift between El-Sayed and Stevens comes months after a contentious Democratic primary in August, which El-Sayed won narrowly following sharp disagreements over Israel and party direction. Tensions boiled over when El-Sayed publicly announced that Stevens was unwelcome at a planned joint campaign appearance at a Detroit church. Angered by the public snub, Stevens attended a Sunday church service alongside Rogers and formally endorsed the Republican candidate.
The sudden political shift drew sharp rebukes from Democratic leadership and allies, who criticized the timing of the public fallout just days before a critical election. However, polling indicates El-Sayed retains an 11-percentage-point lead over Rogers as voters head to the polls.
