Driving the news: Stevens appeared alongside Rogers on Sunday at the Perfecting Church in Detroit, where she praised his support for Black-owned businesses.
- Stevens later posted an endorsement of X. In a video, she said Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed told her she was no longer welcome in his campaign.
- “And he’s right, and that’s why I’m endorsing Mike Rogers for U.S. Senate today,” Stevens said.
- Stevens’ appearance with Rogers was arranged at the last minute after the two spoke Sunday morning, according to a person familiar. She had previously planned to attend a church service in Detroit with El-Sayed and Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.).
How it happened: The dispute intensified last week after Stevens’ fiancé, Jason Turkish, announced he would vote for Rogers.
- Stevens asked El-Sayed to condemn an outside group’s ad linking U.S. support for Israel to rising food prices and to remove a campaign ad featuring Tucker Carlson.
- On Friday evening, after El-Sayed’s campaign said Stevens would not be welcome at its events, Rogers called Stevens and told him he would appreciate his support, according to a person familiar with the conversations.
- The next day, El-Sayed explicitly rejected the content of the outdoor ad, prompting Stevens to publicly praise his remarks.
- On Sunday morning, Stevens called Rogers back to tell him she would support him, the person said. She told Rogers she remained a Democrat and believed the party would still win a majority in the Senate.
The plot: A video posted by Detroit journalist Sam Robinson showed Stevens entering the church and praising Rogers.
- Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), who helped arrange the originally scheduled appearance with El-Sayed, told CNN that she asked Stevens not to attend because the dispute had become awkward.
- Stevens narrowly lost the August Democratic primary to El-Sayed, but later endorsed him.
The other side: A person close to El-Sayed claimed that Stevens’ support could actually help him by strengthening his anti-establishment appeal.
- “It’s good for Abdul,” the person said, describing Stevens as a symbol of the Democratic establishment, Congress and support for the Israeli government.
- The endorsement “shows that Abdul is the candidate for change and for the people of Michigan,” the person added..
What she says: Stevens told Politico that El-Sayed made it clear she was not welcome in his campaign.
- “Abdul ran a wonderful campaign,” she told Politico’s Adam Wren. “He just made it clear I wasn’t a part of it. I mean, I respect him. I wish him good luck. He could very well win. It’s a close race. I mean, I’m voting for the other guy, and maybe others will too.”
What he says: President Trump praised Stevens’ support in a Truth Social article Sunday afternoon, calling it “GREAT” and praising his “bravery.”
- Trump said Stevens had a huge following and “virtually unprecedented” respect among black and Jewish voters in Michigan.
- “Haley said what few are willing to say,” Trump wrote, calling the endorsement an act of loyalty to Michigan.
- Trump said at a rally in Iowa on Sunday: “I would love for her to join the Republican Party. In fact, I think maybe that could happen.”
Flashback: In August, Trump called Stevens a “radical left-wing socialist” during the primary vote count.
What we’re looking at: Michigan voters will choose between Rogers and El-Sayed on Tuesday, with Democrats facing a crucial test: whether they can reunite their coalition.
Go further: Haley Stevens’ staff and co-workers are angry over her ‘betrayal’
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with additional details throughout.
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