# Democrats Fume After Defeated Senate Candidate Backs GOP Rival

> Michigan Democrat Haley Stevens endorses Republican Mike Rogers after feud with Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed.
- Title: Democrats Fume After Defeated Senate Candidate Backs GOP Rival
- Summary: Michigan Democrat Haley Stevens endorses Republican Mike Rogers after feud with Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed. Haley Stevens, defeated Michigan Democrat…
- Keywords: haley stevens, mike rogers, abdur el-sayed, michigan senate race, democrats, republicans, senate, midterms, election, news, world, Fume
- Source: The New York Times — https://nytimes.com/live/2026/11/01/us/midterms-elections-trump
- Published: 2026-11-01T13:00:05+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: haley stevens, mike rogers, abdur el-sayed, michigan senate race, democrats, republicans, senate, midterms, election, news, world
## Michigan Senate Race
Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Mike Rogers for U.S. Senate after a public split with Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed.

> I don’t belong in Abdul’s campaign
## Democratic Split
Stevens and El-Sayed had months of tension over U.S. policy on Israel before Stevens endorsed Rogers.

> I see Israel in my dreams
## El-Sayed's Stance
El-Sayed criticized Stevens for not condemning an antisemitic ad and called her a 'despicable betrayal'.

> None of this matters
## Party Reaction
Michigan Democratic Party removed Stevens from voter database after she endorsed Rogers.

> I am endorsing Mike Rogers for the United States Senate today
## Trump's Response
Trump praised Stevens' endorsement and called for her to join the Republican Party.

> I’d love her to join the Republican Party
## Poll Results
El-Sayed leads Rogers by 11 percentage points in New York Times/Siena poll.

> Dr. El-Sayed with a double-digit lead in the race
## Stevens' Motivation
Stevens' fiancé endorsed Rogers after she criticized El-Sayed's comments on Israel.

> He said that Dr. El-Sayed would make the world less safe for Jews
## Party Fallout
Stevens' congressional staff resigned en masse after her endorsement.

> I’ve never been invited to a campaign event
## El-Sayed's Campaign
El-Sayed's campaign had no communication with Stevens since their primary split.

> He did not want any distractions
## Michigan Democratic Party
Michigan Democratic Party chair Curtis Hertel confirmed Stevens was kicked out of party.

> She is not a current member of the Michigan Democratic Party
## Stevens' Endorsement
Stevens endorsed Rogers after being told she wasn't welcome in El-Sayed's campaign.

> I don’t belong in Abdul’s campaign
## Rogers' Reaction
Rogers called Stevens' endorsement a surprise and said he was 'honored' to have her support.

> I’m grateful for her support
## Party Leadership
Representative James E. Clyburn, Stevens' mentor, called her decision 'disappointing but understandable'.

> I’m disappointed, but I understand
## Stevens' Statement
Stevens said she was 'blindsided' by the party's reaction to her endorsement.

> I’m stunned, I’m shocked
## El-Sayed's Position
El-Sayed stated he would not be part of a campaign with Stevens after her endorsement.

> I don’t want any distractions
## Election Impact
Stevens' endorsement could cost Democrats control of the Senate in Michigan.

> It’s just really unfortunate given the stakes that this has turned into such a spectacle
## Key takeaway

Haley Stevens, defeated Michigan Democrat, endorsed Republican Mike Rogers for Senate after a public split with Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed.