Stevens Endorses Rogers as Michigan Senate Race Divides Democrats

Michigan's closely watched Senate contest entered its final stretch on November 2, 2026, after Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Mike Rogers over her party's nominee, Abdul El-Sayed. The decision exposed internal Democratic divisions as economic pressures and dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump's policies shape the campaign.

The endorsement followed a dispute between Stevens and El-Sayed's campaign over an outside advertisement that Stevens described as antisemitic. His campaign subsequently asked her to stop attending its events, prompting Stevens to withdraw her support.

Stevens explained her decision during a Sunday appearance in Detroit.

"Abdul made it very clear I was not welcome in his campaign," said Rep. Haley Stevens.

El-Sayed, a former Michigan health official and the Democratic Senate nominee, dismissed the dispute when reporters asked about Stevens' decision.

"I actually don't think about Haley Stevens," said Abdul El-Sayed.

His campaign reported raising $1.2 million within four hours on Sunday following the endorsement. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., sharply criticized Stevens for supporting the Republican candidate.

"A despicable betrayal from Rep. Stevens," said Chuck Schumer.

The confrontation reflects broader disagreements between moderate and progressive Democrats, particularly over Israel and the party's political direction. El-Sayed has campaigned on sweeping economic reforms and received endorsements from Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who each recently contributed $1 million to his campaign.

Michigan Democratic strategist Mark Grebner said concerns about El-Sayed's ability to win a general election persisted even among Democrats who supported his primary positions.

"Every single Democrat in the state of Michigan, voting for El-Sayed or voting against him [during the primary], thought, 'Well, I kind of agree with him on all this stuff, but are we going to be able to pull him across the finish line?' And that's still the question," said Mark Grebner.

Progressive voters have rallied behind El-Sayed's promises to address living costs, expand health care and restrict corporate influence in politics. His campaign style has also attracted voters seeking a more confrontational alternative to established political figures.

"The old guard – it just needs to go away. It's not working," said independent voter Mary Benson.

Her daughter, Elaina Benson, also expressed dissatisfaction with established political parties and said she supported El-Sayed's campaign.

"Democrats, Republicans, it's [two sides of] the same coin," said Elaina Benson.

She described her frustration with politicians who make promises without delivering meaningful changes.

"Pretending to fight for you but not actually fighting for you," said Elaina Benson.

At campaign rallies, El-Sayed has used humor and sharp criticism to challenge President Trump and Republican officials. His policy platform includes banning corporate money from politics and pursuing a national health care expansion.

"What's his name, JV Dance?" said Abdul El-Sayed during a late-October rally.

He followed the remark with another criticism of the Republican official.

"JV's got zero charisma," said Abdul El-Sayed.

His campaign also emphasizes reducing household expenses and expanding access to government-supported health care.

"Medicare for All," said Abdul El-Sayed while outlining his proposed health care policy.

Supporters say his economic message has encouraged participation among voters who previously stayed away from elections.

"He actually cares about people who are in our middle class," said Anyanna Gibbs, a bartender who had already voted for El-Sayed.

Economic concerns are also influencing the contest. Michigan's manufacturing industry depends heavily on cross-border trade with Canada, making Trump's tariff policies particularly consequential for businesses and households across the state.

Trump's 50% tariff on Canadian steel has increased costs for Detroit business owner Jonathan Summerville, whose company, Great Day Decks, purchases helical foundation supports from a Canadian manufacturer in Quebec.

His supplier now offers an alternative made with American steel shipped to Canada, manufactured into foundation supports and returned to US dealers under a 10% tariff.

Summerville said he prefers purchasing American products despite the additional financial pressure.

"All things being equal, I would like to support local, whether that's in Detroit, whether that's in Michigan, U.S.," said Jonathan Summerville.

He explained that supporting domestic businesses remains important to him even as tariffs reduce his company's profit margins.

"You want your money to stay as close as possible to improve the lives of those that are closest to you," said Jonathan Summerville.

His business has also faced pressure from higher operating expenses. Summerville said filling his truck costs more than $160, while increased prices may discourage customers from accepting project estimates.

His wife, Alex Summerville, previously worked in manufacturing and automotive supply. She said businesses across those industries face similar difficulties finding suppliers amid changing trade conditions.

Despite the financial strain, the couple remains open to the possibility that tariffs could eventually strengthen American manufacturing. However, they also worry about the effects of artificial intelligence, climate change, wealth inequality and international conflicts on their young son.

Alex Summerville described her hopes for their 2-year-old child.

"I just want him to find contentment and be able to eat and sleep in a comfortable bed and be fulfilled in some creative pursuits," said Alex Summerville.

The economic debate is unfolding alongside changing voter preferences. An NBC News Decision Desk poll conducted in October found that only 28% of men ages 18 to 29 approved of Trump, despite the group's substantial shift toward Republicans in the 2024 presidential election.

Affordability, housing expenses, the war in Iran and the administration's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files were identified by Republicans and Democrats interviewed by NBC News as major reasons for dissatisfaction among young men.

Both Senate candidates have attempted to appeal to this voting group. El-Sayed has criticized the Iran war and adopted some America First messaging, while Rogers has emphasized housing affordability. Both campaigns have also used football and sports-related outreach to connect with younger voters.

Michigan has elected two Democratic senators for the past 25 years, but its presidential voting history demonstrates its competitive political landscape. The state supported Donald Trump in 2016, Joe Biden in 2020 and Trump again in 2024.

The Senate seat is open because Democratic Sen. Gary Peters is retiring. Polling cited by the Christian Science Monitor generally showed El-Sayed ahead, although his advantage remained relatively narrow compared with Democratic candidates competing in states such as Texas and Kansas.

The election outcome could influence the balance of power in the US Senate and intensify the debate over whether progressive candidates can attract both Democratic voters and political independents ahead of the 2028 presidential campaign.