With just two days remaining before the November 3 midterm elections, a Michigan Democratic congresswoman has crossed party lines to endorse a Republican candidate for the United States Senate.
Representative Haley Stevens announced Sunday that she is endorsing Republican Mike Rogers instead of Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed.
The announcement came after Stevens appeared alongside Rogers during a church service at Perfecting Church in Detroit.
But what makes this endorsement particularly significant is that Stevens previously competed against El-Sayed for the Democratic Senate nomination.
What Led to the Endorsement?
Stevens narrowly lost Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary to El-Sayed in August.
Following that defeat, she initially supported the Democratic nominee.
However, disagreements between the two intensified during the final days of the general election campaign.
One major issue involved Israel and a political advertisement produced by an outside organization.
The advertisement connected American financial support for Israel with rising grocery prices.
Stevens criticized the advertisement as antisemitic and called on El-Sayed to condemn it.
El-Sayed responded that his campaign had not produced the advertisement and that he disagreed with its contents.
He also accused Stevens of reopening disagreements from their Democratic primary.
The Final Breaking Point
Stevens had originally been expected to attend a Democratic unity event alongside El-Sayed and Congressman Jim Clyburn.
However, the planned appearance fell apart amid the continuing disagreements.
Stevens later said El-Sayed’s campaign had informed her that she was no longer welcome.
On Sunday, instead of appearing with Democratic leaders, Stevens attended church with Republican Mike Rogers.
She subsequently released a video formally endorsing him.
Stevens said she remained a proud Democrat despite supporting the Republican candidate.
Her decision also prompted the resignation of her longtime chief of staff, according to the Associated Press.
Why Does This Matter?
Michigan’s Senate race is between Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed.
The election will help determine which party controls the United States Senate.
Stevens’ endorsement is particularly notable because she is a sitting Democratic member of Congress publicly supporting the opposing party’s candidate.
The disagreement also highlights divisions among Michigan Democrats over Israel, campaign messaging and party unity.
Other Democratic leaders, including Jim Clyburn and Debbie Dingell, have continued supporting El-Sayed.
The Bigger Question
Cross-party endorsements are not unprecedented in American politics.
However, they are particularly noteworthy when they occur just days before an election and involve someone who previously sought the same nomination.
Whether Stevens’ decision influences voters remains unknown.
Michigan voters will decide the Senate race on November 3.
The Johnny Report will continue following the election and developments surrounding this endorsement.
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