Democrat endorses Republican candidate in key Michigan Senate race as party spat escalates
Michigan congresswoman Haley Stevens, who lost the Democratic Senate primary to Abdul El-Sayed, has endorsed his Republican rival Mike Rogers just days before voters decide one of America's tightest Senate races.
Michigan congresswoman Haley Stevens has endorsed Republican Mike Rogers for the United States Senate, just days before voters go to the polls. Stevens lost the Democratic primary to Abdul El-Sayed, and then appeared beside Rogers at a church in Detroit on Sunday.
Stevens said she was told she is no longer welcome in El-Sayed's campaign, after a bitter row over an outside campaign advertisement. El-Sayed dismissed the endorsement, telling reporters he was focused on the problems facing people in Michigan.
Reaction was swift. Democratic leaders condemned the move, with Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer calling it a betrayal, while former President Donald Trump praised Stevens. Some of her staff reportedly resigned after the announcement.
The Michigan race is one of the tightest in Tuesday's midterm elections and could help decide which party controls the Senate. The seat is held by a retiring Democrat, and Michigan remains a crucial swing state after voting for Trump in 2024.
Reporting based on coverage from BBC News.