In a move that’s raising eyebrows across the political world, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens withdrew her endorsement of Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed on Sunday and backed Republican Mike Rogers instead. The switch came just two days before the midterm elections, following a church service the two attended together Sunday morning. Stevens said she felt hate was coming from El-Sayed’s campaign, while Rogers described the moment as a statement about standing together against hate.
Stevens’ congressional chief of staff and other team members resigned after the announcement, and top Democrats wasted no time calling the move dangerous and a betrayal. President Trump weighed in, calling Stevens brave and saying he’d welcome her to the Republican Party. The reversal highlights the growing tension between moderate and progressive Democrats, and it gives Republicans a fresh talking point in the final hours before polls close.
For Suncoast voters, the Michigan race won’t be on your ballot, but the ripple effects are worth watching. Late endorsements and defections can shift close races and set the tone for the next political cycle. Our own Florida races have their own final-week surprises, and we’ll be tracking those for you as well. What do you think — should a politician be allowed to switch an endorsement days before an election? Let us know on our Facebook page.
