Oakland County, Michigan – In a surprising twist ahead of the November midterm elections, Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens publicly endorsed Republican Senate hopeful Mike Rogers over her fellow Democrat Abdul El‑Sayed. The endorsement, announced just hours before the election, was highlighted at a press event held at the Michigan GOP headquarters.
Local leaders praise the endorsement
Six community leaders representing African American and Jewish constituencies addressed the press, arguing that El‑Sayed’s ties to what they described as “radical” elements made Rogers a more acceptable choice. They emphasized that Stevens’ support could translate into real votes from traditionally Democratic precincts.
“I believe it’s going to make a big difference that she came out,” said Michelle Nard, an African American former Democrat now running for state Senate. “She has a big following and is a great congresswoman.”
Potential impact on Black and Jewish voters
Rogers’ campaign cited anecdotal evidence of shifting sentiment. Marcus Bowman, a Metro Detroit school board trustee who knows Stevens personally, noted, “True supporters of Haley Stevens know what she represents and may follow her decision based on concerns about Abdul El‑Said’s radical statements.”
Data from August‑September shows El‑Said’s support among African American voters hovered around 75%, a figure well below the typical Democratic benchmark, suggesting room for movement.
Jewish community response
Aaron Tobin, a conservative Jewish community leader, told Fox News Digital, “Haley’s endorsement gives Jews permission to vote for a Republican if they feel the Democratic candidate is too extreme.” He added that many in the Jewish community view Rogers as a safer choice for protecting their families.
Another Jewish voter, identified only as Ezra, expressed frustration with the Democratic Party’s handling of security concerns after a March 12 terrorist attack on a West Bloomfield synagogue, saying the incident reinforced his shift toward Rogers.
Republican optimism extends to down‑ballot races
Adam Piper, executive director of the Republican Attorneys General Association, said the endorsement energizes the broader GOP ticket, including attorney general nominee Doug Lloyd. “The momentum was real before the endorsement and is even stronger now,” Piper asserted.
Lloyd echoed this sentiment, noting that absentee and early voting had already captured about half of the electorate, but the endorsement could motivate undecided voters to turn out before polls close.
Democratic reaction
Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel suggested the endorsement might galvanize Democratic voters instead of weakening El‑Said’s base. El‑Said’s campaign reported a record‑breaking fundraising day of $2.4 million on Sunday.
Fox News’ final power ranking lists the Michigan Senate race as a toss‑up, indicating that while the GOP hopes to capitalize on the endorsement, the final outcome remains uncertain.
What voters should know
With Election Day just a day away, voters in Oakland County and the broader Detroit metropolitan area are being urged to consider how the endorsement might affect their choices, especially in communities that have historically leaned Democratic. Both campaigns continue to mobilize volunteers and distribute yard signs in neighborhoods across Grosse Pointe, Detroit, and surrounding suburbs.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
