Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens endorses Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan Senate race
Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.), who lost the Democratic primary for Senate in August, endorsed Republican Mike Rogers over Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed just two days before the election. The endorsement sparked intense backlash from Democrats, who called it a betrayal, while Republicans and Trump praised the move.
Left outlets condemned Stevens' endorsement as a "despicable betrayal" and noted her past criticism of Rogers. They highlighted backlash from Democratic colleagues and staff, with some calling for her removal from the House Democratic caucus. Coverage emphasized the timing as a "shocking" and "unfathomable" move that damaged party unity.
Center outlets presented the endorsement as a political bombshell and noted it was a "November surprise" in a contested race. They covered Stevens' defense of her decision during a CNN interview without heavy editorializing, though characterized the interview as "tense."
Right outlets framed Stevens' endorsement as a brave defection and highlighted Trump's praise for her decision. Coverage noted the Democratic meltdown and characterized El-Sayed as a "Muslim Socialist" or "jihadist." Some right-leaning outlets emphasized Stevens' explanation that she opposed what she viewed as hateful rhetoric from El-Sayed.