Democrats unite behind El-Sayed after Haley Stevens backs Republican in Michigan race

Democratic leaders have rallied behind Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed after Representative Haley Stevens crossed party lines to endorse his Republican rival on the eve of the United States midterm elections.

Stevens, who was defeated by El-Sayed during the Democratic primary in August, announced her support on Sunday for Republican contender Mike Rogers. The move followed protracted disputes over foreign policy, particularly military backing for Israel amid the war involving Iran and ongoing devastation in Gaza. Stevens previously labeled El-Sayed anti-Semitic over his criticisms of Israel's military actions, while El-Sayed argued that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu helped draw Washington into conflict.

The endorsement triggered immediate outrage across Democratic ranks. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer condemned the decision on social media, calling it a despicable betrayal and affirming that the party is united behind El-Sayed. Schumer framed Rogers as aligned with former President Donald Trump and wealthy benefactors, contrasting him with El-Sayed's focus on working families.

Michigan Democratic Party Chairman Curtis Hertel told CNN that Stevens does not represent the broader community. The advocacy organisation Michigan Jews for Democracy also pushed back against her stance, stating she did not speak for the state's Jewish voters and rejecting efforts to create divisions right before the ballot.

El-Sayed, who has been subjected to Islamophobic attacks throughout the race, warned voters that choosing Rogers is equivalent to supporting Trump. Following the announcement, El-Sayed's campaign reported an increase in campaign contributions. Polling cited by Reuters indicated that El-Sayed has maintained a largely consolidated Democratic base.

Trump welcomed the development during a Sunday rally in Iowa, commending Stevens for bravery and suggesting he would welcome her into the Republican Party.

The Michigan contest is among several high-stakes races determining control of Congress. Voters across the country are choosing candidates for all 435 House seats, 35 Senate seats, and 36 governorships, against a backdrop of living-cost pressures influenced by overseas conflict.

In another closely watched Senate contest, a federal judge rejected a Trump administration legal challenge in Alaska. The lawsuit had sought to prevent the state from certifying results should Republican Senator Dan Sullivan lose, citing confusion over another candidate sharing his name. Sullivan told CNN on Sunday that he would abide by the certified election outcome.

Nationwide, early participation has outpaced previous midterms. Data from the University of Florida showed that 54.5 million Americans had already cast ballots as of Sunday morning, comprising roughly 30 million in-person votes and 24 million postal ballots. That figure surpasses the 46 million early votes recorded in 2022, with registered Democrats leading registered Republicans in pre-election turnout.