Democrats split as Stevens backs Rogers
Party leaders from both wings of the Democratic Party have unified in condemning Rep. Haley Stevens for her late endorsement of Republican rival Mike Rogers.
By Samir Patterson ·
Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Michigan) officially endorsed Republican Mike Rogers for the U.S. Senate on Sunday. The decision followed a public falling out with her former primary opponent, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, who is now the party’s nominee. Stevens announced the switch in a video posted on X, stating that El-Sayed told her she was no longer welcome in his campaign. She added that he was right and that she was backing Rogers as a result.
The move triggered immediate backlash from top Democratic figures who had previously supported Stevens. Leaders from the party’s moderate and progressive factions set aside their usual differences to criticize the decision. They described Stevens’ late shift as a betrayal of the Michigan race and the party’s broader strategy.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) called the endorsement despicable. He stated that Senate Democrats are united behind El-Sayed. Schumer argued that El-Sayed will fight for the economic interests of working families in Michigan. He contrasted this with Rogers, whom he described as a tool of Donald Trump and billionaire donors.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.) was more direct in his critique. He posted on X that El-Sayed will prioritize the American people and fight to lower the cost of living. Jeffries labeled Rogers a partisan hack who represents the same MAGA extremism seen elsewhere. He emphasized that electing El-Sayed is critical to flipping control of the Senate.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) had endorsed Stevens in the primary. She now said Stevens chose to dangerously betray Michigan families’ healthcare, freedoms, and future. Pelosi called the endorsement of Rogers horrific. She insisted that El-Sayed must win because Michigan and the country deserve better.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani told the New York Times the pivot was galling. He explained that the choice on the ballot is between fighting for working people like El-Sayed or giving oxygen to a candidate who wants to cut Medicare further. Progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) dismissed the move during a campaign stop in Astoria, N.Y. She called it a distraction and said El-Sayed is clearly the leader the party needs in this moment.
Michigan’s sitting Senator Elissa Slotkin (D) said she had tried to stay out of the political drama between Stevens and El-Sayed. She noted on X that there was too much at stake to remain silent. Slotkin wrote that anyone who makes an election this important about themselves should consider whether they are serving the greater good. Sen. Gary Peters, who is leaving office soon, posted that he was extremely disappointed in Stevens. He confirmed he and his wife would vote for El-Sayed and every Democrat on the ballot. Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin criticized the move as a last-minute political stunt designed to sow division and derail momentum.
