How Israel is at the heart of Haley Stevens’s extraordinary reversal

Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens is facing backlash after she endorsed Republican Mike Rogers over her former primary rival, Abdul El-Sayed, less than 48 hours before Michigan's Election Day. Stevens had assured fellow Democrats she would support El-Sayed, but abruptly changed her endorsement late Saturday night, appearing alongside Rogers at a Detroit church the following day.

The swift reversal has sparked controversy and criticism from Democratic lawmakers and political commentators. During an interview on CNN, Stevens struggled to explain what had changed overnight, accusing El-Sayed of becoming increasingly angry and making some Democrats feel unwelcome in his campaign. She also cited progressive streamer Hasan Piker and disagreements over antisemitism as reasons for her decision.

However, critics questioned the timing of her objections and accused her of betraying the working class by endorsing the Republican who shared her opponents' views on healthcare, rent, and bills. Jewish Democratic leaders also criticized Stevens for overlooking antisemitism controversies involving Rogers' campaign, urging Michigan voters to support her former rival Abdul El-Sayed instead.