Michigan Senate race fractures as Stevens’ allies defect over Israel dispute
With the Michigan Senate election approaching, former primary opponent Haley Stevens has not campaigned for nominee Abdul El-Sayed, causing a rift among Democratic supporters. While Stevens remains nominally supportive, her fiancé and former campaign chair have switched their votes to Republican Mike Rogers, citing concerns over El-Sayed’s rhetoric regarding Israel and Jewish safety.
Key points
- Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens have not held joint campaign events since the August primary, despite Stevens’ endorsement.
- Stevens’ fiancé, Jason Turkish, and former campaign chair David Kramer announced they will vote for Republican Mike Rogers.
- Critics argue El-Sayed’s rhetoric on Israel and foreign aid alienates Jewish voters, a key demographic in the race.
- El-Sayed’s campaign maintains that teams remain in communication, while Stevens urges him to denounce controversial outside ads.
- Polls show the race remains tight, with El-Sayed leading but facing challenges in Oakland County, a crucial suburban area.
Background
The Michigan Senate race is a pivotal contest in the 2026 midterms, with El-Sayed facing Republican Mike Rogers. The state has not elected a Republican senator in 30 years, but the race remains competitive due to divisions within the Democratic base. Previous coverage noted Stevens’ continued visibility in state politics despite her absence from El-Sayed’s campaign trail.
How outlets are covering it
CNN reports that El-Sayed and Stevens have not spoken in months, with Stevens citing a 'busy schedule' but privately expressing frustration with the campaign’s handling of Jewish voter concerns. The Detroit News highlights the defection of Jason Turkish, who calls El-Sayed’s rhetoric 'reckless' toward Jewish safety, while Jewish Insider notes the shift of David Kramer, a prominent fundraiser, to Rogers. El-Sayed’s campaign counters that they are in 'close communication' and focused on broad coalition-building, while Stevens urges him to denounce ads she deems hateful.
Why it matters
The split within the Democratic base threatens El-Sayed’s ability to win in key suburban areas like Oakland County, where Jewish and Black voters are pivotal. If El-Sayed fails to unify these groups, Rogers could capitalize on the division, potentially shifting the balance of power in the U.S. Senate and impacting national policy priorities.
What to watch
El-Sayed is expected to headline an event in Oakland County on Election Eve, though Stevens is not scheduled to appear. The outcome will hinge on whether El-Sayed can mitigate the damage from the defections and secure enough suburban support to overcome the tight polling numbers.
- Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens haven’t campaigned together — or spoken — in recent months CNN
- In Michigan, El-Sayed Faces Heat From Former Primary Rival as Election Nears The New York Times
- El-Sayed responds to Stevens’s fiancée endorsing Rogers The Hill
- Haley Stevens' fiancé says he's voting for Mike Rogers for Senate The Detroit News
- Former Haley Stevens campaign chair and prominent Democratic fundraiser says he plans to vote for Rogers Jewish Insider
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