Haley Stevens withdraws support for El-Sayed, endorses Rogers in Michigan Senate race

Rep. Haley Stevens of Michigan’s 6th congressional district withdrew her endorsement of Democrat Abdul El‑Sayed and announced she will now support Republican Mike Rogers in the open U.S. Senate race, a move that could shift the dynamics of the campaign. The switch came on Thursday after a brief statement on her campaign website and was reported by NBC News. The decision comes as the June 4 primary approaches and the Senate seat, held by retiring Democrat Debbie Stabenow, remains a key target for both parties.

The Michigan Senate race is the most expensive and closely watched contest in the state this election cycle. El‑Sayed, a former mayor of Dearborn, has built a broad coalition of Black voters, working‑class families and progressive groups, while Rogers, a former congressman from the 6th district, appeals to the GOP’s conservative base and has raised record amounts in early fundraising. Stevens’ endorsement shift signals growing unease among some Republican lawmakers about El‑Sayed’s positions on immigration, gun policy and the state’s economic strategy, especially as the GOP seeks a candidate who can win the general election in a state that has trended blue in recent years.

Stevens said she was “concerned about the direction of the Democratic candidate’s platform” and that Rogers “has a record of defending Michigan’s economic interests.” Rogers welcomed the endorsement, calling it a “turning point” that could help him gain momentum. Democratic officials rebuked the move as an unnecessary distraction, noting that El‑Sayed has already secured strong support from key caucuses and that the primary will still be decided by voters. Polls show the race is tight, with El‑Sayed ahead by a margin of about 3 percentage points, but the new endorsement could tighten the field and energize Republican voters.

With the primary set for June 4, both campaigns are ramping up canvassing and advertising in swing districts. If Rogers can consolidate the GOP vote, he may narrow the gap in the primary and position himself as a viable general‑election challenger. El‑Sayed will likely double down on his outreach to minority voters and the suburbs. The outcome of this primary will shape not only Michigan’s representation in Washington but also the balance of power in the U.S. Senate, where every seat counts.