From Newsweek · · 2m
Haley Stevens' Fiancé Jason Turkish: Democratic Shift
Haley Stevens' fiancé Jason Turkish pushed her to switch Senate endorsements after primary loss.
In brief
Haley Stevens' fiancé Jason Turkish pushed her to switch Senate endorsements after primary loss. Michigan Rep. Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Mike Rogers despite her prior support for Democrat El-Sayed after Jason Turkish criticized her for endorsing El-Sayed. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Haley Stevens' Fiancé Jason Turkish
Haley Stevens' fiancé Jason Turkish is a disability rights lawyer who lives in Huntington Woods, Michigan.
Stevens Endorses Republican Mike Rogers
Michigan Rep. Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Mike Rogers two days before the midterm election after losing her party's August Senate primary to Abdul El-Sayed.
Jason Turkish Criticizes Stevens
Jason Turkish criticized Haley Stevens for endorsing El-Sayed after the primary, saying she was no longer welcome in his campaign.
Stevens' Democratic Friends Concerned
Former Michigan Governor Jim Blanchard and others expressed concern about Jason Turkish's influence on Haley Stevens' decision to switch endorsements.
Jason Turkish's Background
Jason Turkish, 39, is president and managing partner of Nyman Turkish, a litigation and disability rights law firm with offices in California, Florida and Michigan.
Stevens' Divorce and Conversion Plans
Stevens announced her divorce from Rob Gulley in October 2022 and considered converting to Judaism ahead of her wedding with Jason Turkish.
El-Sayed's Criticism of Israel
El-Sayed sharply criticized Israel's actions in Gaza, calling them 'genocide' and urging an end to U.S. military aid.
Stevens' Endorsement Shift
Stevens endorsed Rogers after Turkish criticized her for endorsing El-Sayed, saying she was no longer welcome in his campaign.
Democratic Reaction
Democratic leaders called Stevens' switch a 'despicable betrayal' and threatened to expel her from the party.
Polls Show El-Sayed Leading
Polls showed El-Sayed leading Rogers 53 percent to 42 percent among likely voters in the final New York Times /Siena University poll.
Stevens' Statement on Decision
Stevens called her endorsement of Rogers a 'personal and private decision' and said she spent the night alone with her thoughts.
What Happens Next
Michigan voters head to the polls Tuesday, with Stevens leaving Congress in January and potential expulsion from the Democratic Party.
The short version
Michigan Rep. Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Mike Rogers despite her prior support for Democrat El-Sayed after Jason Turkish criticized her for endorsing El-Sayed.
