In a surprising break with her party just two days before the midterms, Democratic Representative Haley Stevens endorsed Republican nominee Mike Rogers in Michigan's high-stakes Senate race. The endorsement follows a period of mounting tension between Stevens and the Democratic nominee, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, following a competitive primary fight.
Stevens, who represents suburban areas around Detroit, announced her support for Rogers after appearing with him at a church service. The move immediately widened an intraparty rift in a contest vital to determining control of the United States Senate.
Democratic leaders at both the state and national levels swiftly condemned Stevens' decision, while congressional Democratic leadership rallied behind El-Sayed. El-Sayed dismissed the endorsement while speaking with reporters, stating that he remains focused on the issues important to voters. Meanwhile, polling leading up to the final days of the election indicated El-Sayed leading Rogers among likely Democratic voters.
