Stendhal Stevens backs Republican Mike Rogers in Detroit church event

Haley Stevens stood beside Republican candidate Mike Rogers during a Sunday church service in Detroit, visually aligning herself with the Trump-endorsed challenger in the days before the general election. Her appearance marked a sharp break from the official Democratic ticket, which Abdul El-Sayed is leading.

The split became public after Stevens was excluded from a planned joint event with El-Sayed and Rep. Jim Clyburn. Rep. Debbie Dingell, who organized the gathering, said she asked Stevens to withdraw because the presence of the former primary rival had become a distraction. Dingell stated in a phone interview that she did not expect the weekend to unfold in such a manner. She noted that the bishop hosting the service was frustrated by the political tension within a religious setting.

Stevens released a written statement on Friday criticizing El-Sayed’s stance on Israel. She wrote that while El-Sayed promises to remove money from politics, he should start by excluding Israel from his explanations for Michigan’s high costs. Stevens also expressed satisfaction that El-Sayed disagreed with the content of a recent independent advertisement. The ad, produced by an outside left-wing group, linked U.S. support for Israel to rising food prices.

El-Sayed responded to the dispute by stating that Stevens appeared determined to reopen a debate about a primary that ended three months ago. He emphasized that the campaign’s focus should remain on the work at hand. On Saturday night, he reiterated that his campaign did not produce the controversial ad and that he did not agree with its message.

The internal friction complicates Democratic efforts to mobilize Black and Jewish voters in Wayne and Oakland counties. Stevens defeated El-Sayed in both areas during the August primary, securing support from communities that form a key part of the state’s Democratic coalition. The race is closely contested for the seat vacated by retiring Sen. Gary Peters. Holding Michigan is necessary for Democrats to maintain control of the Senate during the final two years of President Trump’s second term.

El-Sayed proceeded with a separate church service on Sunday alongside Clyburn and other national Democrats. Attendees included Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield, and state Secretary of State candidate Garlin Gilchrist II. Early voting began on Oct. 24, before the latest public disputes emerged. Dingell said the party remains united behind El-Sayed, who would become the first Muslim senator if elected. She argued that voters should focus on substantive issues rather than the dynamic between El-Sayed and Stevens. Dingell added that Rogers enjoyed the public conflict.

The primary race had already been marked by personal attacks and millions of dollars in outside spending, including support from a super PAC linked to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee for Stevens. El-Sayed was particularly angered by an ad accusing him of disrespecting women. Although Stevens pledged to help El-Sayed after the primary, the two have not appeared together in public since a unity breakfast held two days after her summer victory. Their lack of joint appearances has drawn criticism from some Jewish leaders who remain concerned about El-Sayed’s rhetoric on Israel.