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Ocasio-Cortez’s call failed to prevent Stevens backing Republican Rogers
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez reportedly made a 25-minute call to Haley Stevens in an effort to keep the Michigan congresswoman aligned with the Democrats, after concerns she might back Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers. Stevens told Ocasio-Cortez she was “still on the team”, but days later endorsed Rogers, deepening divisions among Democrats shortly before the election.
The call took place on 28 October and was followed by friendly text messages. Stevens had criticised Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign visit to her district and clashed with Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed over his comments on Israel, Iran and campaign associations. Stevens had been expected to appear at a unity event with El-Sayed, but instead announced her endorsement of Rogers at a Detroit church; members of her congressional staff resigned in protest.
In short
- Ocasio-Cortez tried to keep Stevens with the Democrats.
- Stevens endorsed Republican Mike Rogers days later.
- The move exposed tensions around Michigan’s Senate race.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Stevens could argue that endorsing Rogers reflected her judgement about which candidate would best serve Michigan voters, especially given her disagreements with El-Sayed over Israel, Iran and his campaign associations. A member of Congress may reasonably prioritise constituents’ views and her own assessment of a candidate over party unity, even when that choice carries political costs.
The case against
Democrats could argue that Stevens’s endorsement risks helping a Republican win a Senate seat and weakening the party’s ability to advance policies its voters support. Given her earlier assurance that she remained on the team and the prospect of a unity event, they may see the endorsement as a damaging breach of solidarity at a consequential moment.
Explained simply
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Haley Stevens are Democratic members of the US House of Representatives. Stevens represents a district in Michigan, while Ocasio-Cortez represents part of New York and is a prominent progressive voice in the party.
Mike Rogers is the Republican candidate for the US Senate in Michigan, and Abdul El-Sayed is the Democratic nominee. A Senate seat is separate from a House seat: senators represent entire states and help pass federal laws. Party endorsements can matter in close elections because they may influence voters and expose disagreements within a party.
Stevens and El-Sayed had clashed over his remarks on Israel and Iran and his campaign links. Stevens had also criticised Ocasio-Cortez’s visit to her district, and staff departures after her endorsement highlighted the disagreement’s impact within her office.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “AOC’s desperate 25-minute plea to stop Haley Stevens’ defection revealed before Michigan race is tossed into chaos”.