Michigan Rep. Haley Stevens faced backlash after avoiding a direct answer about supporting fellow Democrat Abdul El-Sayed for Senate. During CNN’s State of the Union, she highlighted Republican Mike Rogers’ Detroit campaigning while questioning El-Sayed’s outreach to Black voters. Stevens endorsed El-Sayed after losing their Democratic primary, but her latest remarks drew accusations that she was undermining him.
CNN host Dana Bash asked why Stevens had not campaigned alongside El-Sayed despite previously endorsing him. Stevens said she was focusing on House races, citing several Democratic candidates she had been helping across Michigan. She also emphasized that both primary rivals had agreed to support whoever won the nomination.
However, when Bash questioned El-Sayed’s outreach to Black and Jewish voters, Stevens acknowledged his statewide campaigning before highlighting Rogers’ efforts. “Every time you turn around, the guy’s in Detroit,” she said. She explained that she had urged the Democratic campaign to address concerns within the Black community. “That speech hasn’t happened,” she added, although she acknowledged that El-Sayed had held other rallies and events.
Later, Bash pressed Stevens on whether she remained fully behind El-Sayed. Stevens said she was on the Democratic ticket but acknowledged disagreements over the campaign. Instead, she highlighted her support for gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson and other Democrats seeking House seats. When Bash pointed out that she had not mentioned El-Sayed, Stevens responded, “I’m on the team.”
Haley Stevens Faces Backlash Over CNN Remarks on Abdul El-Sayed
The exchange sparked disagreement over what Democratic unity should look like after a contested primary.
“She’s more positive toward Rodgers than Abdul,” one user wrote. Another questioned Stevens’ support for other Democratic candidates, stating, “the fact that you’re here to support Jocelyn but not Abdul says a lot. That tells me you’d rather we end up with Rogers.”
Others questioned her reluctance to reaffirm her earlier endorsement. “She endorsed him right after she lost the primary. Why can’t she bring herself to say it anymore?” one response asked.
Another challenged her repeated references to party unity. “That’s a troubling answer. Being on the team is radically different from rooting for your teammates. You ought to be able to support your lead scorer.”
However, some defended Stevens’ decision not to campaign alongside El-Sayed. “Why should she be required to campaign for someone with whom she disagrees, and whose fans keep attacking her?” one user questioned.
Another pointed to her previous endorsement, writing, “She endorsed Abdul right after she lost. She doesn’t agree with all of his policies or thoughts, especially on Israel, but I can most certainly guarantee that she’ll vote for him next Tuesday.”
It remains unclear whether Stevens will campaign alongside El-Sayed before the election. Her CNN appearance offered no direct commitment to joining him on the campaign trail.
