Michigan Democrat stuns party to back Republican candidate in critical Senate race

Representative Haley Stevens has endorsed Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s Senate race, two days before the midterm elections. Stevens, who lost the Democratic primary to candidate Abdul El-Sayed, appeared with Rogers at a Detroit church and stated in a social media video that she does not belong in El-Sayed's campaign. According to the Daily Times, Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer publicly condemned the endorsement as a betrayal of party unity.

During an interview on CBS's 60 Minutes, El-Sayed addressed his views on Israel and criticized U.S. policy. He argued that Washington provides military assistance to parties working to prevent a Palestinian state and accused Israel of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip, an allegation that Rogers has disputed. When asked by journalist Ross Douthat if Israel has a right to exist, El-Sayed objected to the question, asking why no one asks about Palestine's right to exist.

Rogers has stated he supports Israel's right to exist and defend itself, while accusing El-Sayed of refusing to recognize that right.

The endorsement comes as Republicans hold narrow majorities in both the House and Senate. Dawn reports that Donald Trump invited Stevens to join the Republican Party during a rally in Iowa, calling her endorsement a "smart thing to do." The outcome of the Senate race is considered critical for control of the chamber.

Brief written by urgent.news from France 24, Jerusalem Post, Dawn, Daily Times — 4 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.