Michigan Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens is right to withdraw her support for Abdul El-Sayed
By Easton Martin
Michigan Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens is right to withdraw her support for Abdul El-Sayed and endorse Republican Mike Rogers in the state’s closely contested Senate race. Her decision comes after months of growing tensions between the two Democrats, with Stevens increasingly questioning El-Sayed’s judgment, rhetoric, and associations.
In a statement released Monday, Stevens made her position unmistakably clear. “Once I concluded that Abdul El-Sayed is not fit to serve in the United States Senate, I had to confront who should,” she wrote. “I chose Mike Rogers.”
Stevens initially endorsed El-Sayed after losing the Democratic primary in August. However, she eventually concluded that party loyalty could not justify supporting a candidate whose conduct and political associations raised serious concerns.
One of the central issues involves El-Sayed’s relationship with political commentator Hasan Piker. Piker has previously made inflammatory remarks about Jewish Americans and suggested that America deserved the September 11 attacks. Although Piker has acknowledged that some of his comments were inappropriate, his continued prominence in progressive political circles raises legitimate questions about the judgment of politicians who embrace him.
Stevens also took issue with an advertisement from Rebellion PAC that connected American support for Israel with the high cost of groceries. The advertisement portrayed a couple discussing grocery expenses while suggesting that money spent supporting Israel was responsible for higher food prices. Stevens called the advertisement vile and demanded that El-Sayed clearly reject its message.
El-Sayed eventually said he disagreed with the advertisement’s contents. However, Stevens also questioned his decision to feature conservative commentator Tucker Carlson in his own campaign advertising, arguing that his approach to political alliances and messaging demonstrated poor judgment.
These concerns deserve serious consideration from Michigan voters, and it is very likely the people of Michigan may think so too. A candidate seeking a seat in the United States Senate must demonstrate sound judgment and an understanding of the responsibilities that come with representing an entire state. El-Sayed’s willingness to associate his campaign with controversial figures and messaging raises legitimate cause for concern.
The response from Democratic leadership has largely focused on Stevens’ decision to break with her party rather than seriously addressing the concerns she raised. Democrats have directed much of their frustration toward a longtime member of their own party for refusing to fall in line.
