Trump Invites Haley Stevens to Join GOP After Her Mike Rogers Endorsement

President Donald Trump welcomed Democratic Michigan Representative Haley Stevens to the Republican Party on Sunday, following her endorsement shift from Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed to Republican Mike Rogers. The president praised Stevens' decision as "brave" during a rally in Dubuque, Iowa. Stevens made the announcement alongside Rogers at a church in Detroit earlier in the day.

Trump expressed his hope that Stevens would join the Republican Party, noting her rarity among those willing to speak out. However, her move drew criticism from senior Democratic Party members, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who called it a "despicable betrayal." Stevens, who had initially supported El-Sayed after losing to him in the Democratic primary, had recently been dropped from a planned appearance with him due to a dispute over Israel.

The two Democrats had differing views on Israel's conflict in Gaza, with Stevens being a more pro-Israel member and El-Sayed criticizing Israel's government. Stevens later criticized El-Sayed's stance, accusing him of wanting to "get Israel out of his explanation for everything Michigan cannot afford." El-Sayed countered by accusing Stevens of "relitigating a primary that ended three months ago."

The tension between the two escalated when Stevens' fiancé, Jason Turkish, pledged his support for Rogers, citing concerns over El-Sayed's rhetoric and foreign policy. Initially scheduled to endorse El-Sayed alongside Democratic Representative Jim Clyburn, Stevens chose to join Rogers at Perfecting Church in Detroit, where she pledged her support for the Republican candidate.