Democratic Congresswoman Backs Republican Candidate in Key Michigan Senate Race

MICHIGAN: Divisions within the Democratic Party have intensified ahead of a crucial Senate election in the US state of Michigan, after a senior female party figure endorsed the Republican candidate instead of her own party’s nominee, Abdul El-Sayed, just two days before Tuesday’s voting.

Current Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens, who lost to El-Sayed in the party’s Senate nomination race, surprised observers by making an unexpected appearance at an event alongside Republican candidate Mike Rogers on Sunday.

Shortly afterwards, she posted a video on social media platform X, declaring that she was not part of El-Sayed’s campaign.

“As a Michigander, hate is not who we are, nor is it what we are getting from our Democratic nominee right now. That is why I am supporting Mike Rogers,” she said.

A heated public exchange has recently taken place between moderate Democrat Haley Stevens and El-Sayed, who represents the party’s left wing.

The latest dispute erupted over an election advertisement by an outside liberal group that blamed Israel for rising grocery prices. El-Sayed criticised the advertisement and clarified that he had no connection with its contents.

Political analysts say the Michigan Senate contest is among the closest races in Tuesday’s midterm elections. It is one of several key battleground contests that could ultimately determine control of the US Senate.

A Republican has not won the Michigan Senate seat since 1994.

Michigan is also considered a crucial swing state in presidential elections. Joe Biden won the state in 2020, while Donald Trump carried it in 2024.

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