Debbie Dingell Says Haley Stevens' Endorsement Backfired in Michigan
The Michigan Democrat claims the move energized voters for Abdul El-Sayed, who raised $2.4 million on the day Stevens joined Mike Rogers.
By George Parker ·
Rep. Debbie Dingell of Michigan said on Monday that her colleague Rep. Haley Stevens’ decision to back GOP Senate candidate Mike Rogers is producing the opposite result of what was intended. Dingell argued the move is creating a backlash that is galvanizing communities for Abdul El-Sayed’s campaign.
The timeline of the dispute began this past Friday. Stevens, El-Sayed’s former primary rival, demanded that El-Sayed apologize for previous remarks about Israel. She also called for him to condemn an advertisement from an outside group, which she described as antisemitic. El-Sayed’s campaign had previously stated it was not affiliated with that ad in any way.
Tensions escalated after El-Sayed responded with a statement saying Stevens seemed intent on relitigating a primary that ended three months ago. He subsequently pulled out of a scheduled Sunday campaign event where the two were expected to appear together. Dingell told NPR that she advised Stevens not to attend the event, calling the situation a distraction.
On Sunday morning, Stevens appeared at a church with Rogers before formally endorsing him. She told reporters that she initially stood with her party but was booed off the stage. El-Sayed’s campaign reported raising more than $2.4 million on that same Sunday. Dingell said she has spoken with Black pastors who expressed anger over how Stevens made the announcement.
Dingell, a prominent member of Michigan’s congressional delegation, expressed concern about Stevens but urged her party colleagues to avoid making more of the drama. She stated that the House Democratic Caucus needs to focus on winning the election tomorrow rather than internal disputes. Dingell told CBS News she is worried about Stevens but tired of the ongoing conflict.
The two women have largely avoided campaigning together since the primary, despite Stevens endorsing El-Sayed after he won the nomination. Their differing visions for the party’s future created a divide that Dingell believes is now affecting voter sentiment in the general election.
Source: CBS News
