# Michigan Democrat backs Republican days before Senate vote

> Haley Stevens endorses Mike Rogers over Abdul El-Sayed, drawing fury from her party ahead of the midterms.
- Title: Michigan Democrat backs Republican days before Senate vote
- Summary: Haley Stevens endorses Mike Rogers over Abdul El-Sayed, drawing fury from her party ahead of the midterms. Michigan Democrat Haley Stevens switched her…
- Keywords: haley stevens, abdul el-sayed, mike rogers, michigan, senate race, midterm elections, democratic party, endorsement switch, news, world, Democrat, backs
- Source: BBC News — https://bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c699z8v3282xo
- Published: 2026-11-02T11:08:09.622+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: haley stevens, abdul el-sayed, mike rogers, michigan, senate race, midterm elections, democratic party, endorsement switch, news, world
## Democrat switches to Republican
Haley Stevens, a Michigan Democrat who lost her primary bid, withdrew support for Abdul El-Sayed and endorsed Republican Mike Rogers two days before the midterm election.
## Stevens defends her decision
Appearing on CNN, Stevens said simply: I changed my mind. She insisted nothing about her had changed but was now rock solid in backing Rogers.

> I changed my mind.
## Stevens says she was unwelcome
Stevens claimed El-Sayed told her she was not welcome in his campaign and he did not need her there. She said this prompted her endorsement switch.

> Abdul made clear that I was not welcome in his campaign, that he didn't need me there, that he didn't want me there.
## Party leaders condemn the move
Chuck Schumer, the top Democrat in the US Senate, called the endorsement a despicable betrayal. Many Stevens staff reportedly resigned immediately after her announcement.

> despicable betrayal
## Michigan Democrats disavow Stevens
Michigan Democratic Party chair Curtis Hertel wrote that Stevens is not a current member of the Michigan Democratic Party, nor will she be in the future.

> not a current member of the Michigan Democratic Party, nor will she be in the future
## Republicans applaud the endorsement
Mike Rogers said the move showed courage. Donald Trump agreed that Stevens had been very brave in switching her support to the Republican candidate.
## El-Sayed dismisses the controversy
When asked about Stevens' endorsement, El-Sayed told reporters he was focused on problems facing people in the state. He said: At the end of the day, I don't think about Haley Stevens.

> At the end of the day, I don't think about Haley Stevens. None of this matters.
## Michigan race hinges on Senate control
The seat is currently in Democratic hands. Democrats need to retain it and win a handful of others to gain control of the US Senate and challenge President Donald Trump.
## Key takeaway

Michigan Democrat Haley Stevens switched her endorsement from Abdul El-Sayed to Republican Mike Rogers two days before the midterm election, sparking condemnation from her party.