# Haley Stevens backs Mike Rogers, widening Michigan Democrats’ internal rift

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/democrat-endorses-republican-candidate-in-key-michigan-senate-race-as-party-spat-escalates/
- Published: 2026-11-01T20:32:20+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC World (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c95ynzv88n68o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: Art, Culture, Elections, Government, Politics, World

## Key points

- Stevens’ endorsement of Rogers deepens her dispute with El-Sayed.
- Voters and party figures criticised her decision.
- Michigan’s close Senate race could affect control of the Senate.

## Summary

New coverage adds reactions from Michigan voters, Rogers and President Donald Trump after Democratic congresswoman Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers. The endorsement has widened a public split with her party’s nominee, Abdul El-Sayed, just days before a close contest that could help decide control of the Senate.

Stevens said El-Sayed had told her she was unwelcome in his campaign, after they clashed over an advert by an outside liberal group blaming Israel for high food prices; El-Sayed criticised the advert and denied involvement. Democrats interviewed by the BBC described the endorsement as a betrayal, while some Rogers supporters doubted it would sway voters. Rogers praised Stevens’ decision, Trump called it an act of loyalty, and several of Stevens’ staff reportedly resigned.

## Coverage

- [BBC World: Haley Stevens backs Mike Rogers, widening Michigan Democrats’ internal rift](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c95ynzv88n68o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss)
- [The Hill: Michigan Democrats rip Stevens over Rogers appearance](https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/6186945-mi-democrats-reject-stevens-endorsement/)
- [The Hill: Live updates: Stevens backs Rogers in Michigan; Judge dismisses Trump's Alaska Senate lawsuit](https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/6186601-live-updates-trump-kansas-iowa-democrats-unity-rally/)
- [The Hill: RNC says 'Michigan should take notice' of Stevens endorsing Rogers](https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/6187095-rnc-rogers-receives-stevens-support/)
- [The Hill: Stevens defends surprise Rogers endorsement: 'I'm not turning my back on Democrats'](https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/6187043-stevens-defends-rogers-endorsement/)

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.