Trump Reacts To Haley Stevens' Endorsement Of Mike Rogers
7 hours ago
President Donald Trump is praising Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens after she endorsed Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan's closely watched U.S. Senate race, breaking with her party just two days before the midterm elections.
Speaking to reporters after arriving in Iowa on Sunday, Trump welcomed Stevens' decision to support Rogers over Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed, who defeated Stevens in the August primary.
Trump also addressed the endorsement during a campaign rally in Dubuque, Iowa, calling Stevens brave for crossing party lines.
"I'd love her to join the Republican Party actually," Trump told supporters.
The president praised Stevens for what he described as her loyalty to Michigan voters while criticizing El-Sayed, whom he repeatedly called a "jihadist." Trump also suggested that El-Sayed, who is Muslim, would require special security screening if elected to the Senate.
Stevens announced her endorsement Sunday after a public dispute with El-Sayed's campaign. She said she no longer felt welcome in his campaign and believed supporting Rogers was the right decision for Michigan.
The endorsement drew sharp criticism from Democratic leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who called the move a betrayal. Republican leaders welcomed Stevens' support.
El-Sayed dismissed the controversy, saying he remained focused on issues affecting Michigan residents, including affordability, health care and the economy.
The unexpected endorsement has added another dimension to Michigan's Senate contest, one of several closely watched races that could determine control of Congress.
Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, November 3.
Speaking to reporters after arriving in Iowa on Sunday, Trump welcomed Stevens' decision to support Rogers over Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed, who defeated Stevens in the August primary.
Trump also addressed the endorsement during a campaign rally in Dubuque, Iowa, calling Stevens brave for crossing party lines.
"I'd love her to join the Republican Party actually," Trump told supporters.
The president praised Stevens for what he described as her loyalty to Michigan voters while criticizing El-Sayed, whom he repeatedly called a "jihadist." Trump also suggested that El-Sayed, who is Muslim, would require special security screening if elected to the Senate.
Stevens announced her endorsement Sunday after a public dispute with El-Sayed's campaign. She said she no longer felt welcome in his campaign and believed supporting Rogers was the right decision for Michigan.
The endorsement drew sharp criticism from Democratic leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who called the move a betrayal. Republican leaders welcomed Stevens' support.
El-Sayed dismissed the controversy, saying he remained focused on issues affecting Michigan residents, including affordability, health care and the economy.
The unexpected endorsement has added another dimension to Michigan's Senate contest, one of several closely watched races that could determine control of Congress.
Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, November 3.