President Donald Trump extended an invitation to outgoing Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens to join the Republican Party after her unexpected endorsement of Michigan’s GOP Senate nominee, Mike Rogers. Stevens, who lost the Democratic primary to Abdul El-Sayed in August, cited concerns over antisemitism and El-Sayed’s associations with controversial figures as reasons for her switch. She appeared at a campaign event with Rogers on Sunday, just days before the November 3 midterm elections, stating that El-Sayed had disinvited her from a Democratic event.
Stevens defended her decision on CNN, claiming El-Sayed’s ‘anger and lack of kindness’ drove her to endorse Rogers. She compared El-Sayed to Graham Platner, a former Democratic nominee who withdrew from a Senate race amid scandal. Meanwhile, Democrats condemned Stevens’ move as a ‘betrayal,’ with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi among those criticizing her. Several of Stevens’ staffers resigned in protest, and the Michigan Democratic Party distanced itself from her.
Republicans welcomed Stevens’ endorsement, with Rogers and House Speaker Mike Johnson praising her ‘courage.’ The move could impact the tight Senate race in Michigan, potentially influencing the balance of power in the upper chamber ahead of the midterm elections.