DETROIT, November 1, 2026 — In a surprise move two days before Election Day, Democratic U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Mike Rogers for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat, breaking with Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed, who defeated her in the party’s August primary.
Stevens announced the decision in a video posted Sunday after appearing alongside Rogers at a service at Perfecting Church in Detroit. Although she said she remains a proud Democrat, she told voters she was backing Rogers in Tuesday’s contest.
A sudden break in a closely watched Senate contest
The endorsement follows days of open disagreement between Stevens and El-Sayed, including a dispute over an outside political advertisement concerning U.S. support for Israel. El-Sayed has said his campaign did not produce the ad and rejected its message. Stevens had previously promised to support him after losing the primary.
Stevens said she felt unwelcome in El-Sayed’s campaign. Rep. Debbie Dingell later said that she had asked Stevens not to attend a planned unity event because the tensions had become a distraction. That distinction is important as competing accounts of the breakdown continue to circulate.
The announcement drew praise from Republicans and criticism from Democratic leaders. Stevens’ longtime chief of staff, Justin German, said he and other staff members had resigned in protest. El-Sayed, meanwhile, has directed attention to Michigan voters’ concerns, including the cost of living.
Video: Stevens announces her endorsement
Watch the original announcement below. The video was posted to Stevens’ public campaign account on November 1, 2026.
I am endorsing Mike Rogers for the United States Senate today.
— Haley Stevens (@HaleyforMI) November 1, 2026 — Watch video
If the embedded video does not load in your browser, watch Stevens’ endorsement video on her original post. You can also watch ABC News’ video report.
What happens next?
Michigan voters choose between Rogers and El-Sayed on Tuesday, November 3. The race is one of several that could help determine which party controls the U.S. Senate. The endorsement’s effect on voters remains uncertain, and the outcome will not be known until ballots are counted.
This is a developing story. Information is current to November 1, 2026. Khemetic News will update this report as verified details become available.
