Michigan Democrat Ousted From Party After GOP Endorsement
6 hours ago
Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel says U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens has been removed from the state party following her endorsement of Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers, just days before the November 3 midterm elections.
Hertel announced the decision Sunday after Stevens publicly backed Rogers over Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed, who defeated her in the state's Democratic Senate primary.
The endorsement marks an unusual break with party leadership in one of the country's closely watched Senate contests.
Stevens' decision drew criticism from Democratic leaders, who questioned her support for a Republican candidate in a race that could help determine control of the U.S. Senate.
President Donald Trump, meanwhile, praised Stevens for crossing party lines and supporting Rogers.
Speaking to reporters in Iowa on Sunday, Trump welcomed the endorsement and criticized El-Sayed. The president also expressed interest in Stevens joining the Republican Party.
The dispute comes as both parties make their final push to mobilize voters ahead of Election Day.
Although Hertel announced Stevens' removal from the Michigan Democratic Party, the announcement does not itself change her elected position in Congress.
Michigan voters will decide the Senate contest between Rogers and El-Sayed on Tuesday.
Hertel announced the decision Sunday after Stevens publicly backed Rogers over Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed, who defeated her in the state's Democratic Senate primary.
The endorsement marks an unusual break with party leadership in one of the country's closely watched Senate contests.
Stevens' decision drew criticism from Democratic leaders, who questioned her support for a Republican candidate in a race that could help determine control of the U.S. Senate.
President Donald Trump, meanwhile, praised Stevens for crossing party lines and supporting Rogers.
Speaking to reporters in Iowa on Sunday, Trump welcomed the endorsement and criticized El-Sayed. The president also expressed interest in Stevens joining the Republican Party.
The dispute comes as both parties make their final push to mobilize voters ahead of Election Day.
Although Hertel announced Stevens' removal from the Michigan Democratic Party, the announcement does not itself change her elected position in Congress.
Michigan voters will decide the Senate contest between Rogers and El-Sayed on Tuesday.