Stevens Hesitant to Fully Support El-Sayed Ahead of Elections

Rep. Haley Stevens, a Democrat from Michigan, refrained from affirming her full support for Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed during a recent national television appearance. This comes just months after he narrowly defeated her in a contentious primary and only days before the midterm elections.

During an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash, Stevens was questioned about her absence from the campaign trail alongside El-Sayed, despite her endorsement following the primary. She redirected the conversation by focusing on her efforts to support other Democratic candidates across Michigan.

However, when pressed again about whether she was “still fully behind” El-Sayed, Stevens once more avoided a clear affirmation.

“Look, I’m on the Democratic ticket,” Stevens stated, adding, “I can’t say that I agree with everything that’s gone on.”

She reiterated her backing of Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson and other House candidates, but notably omitted El-Sayed from her comments.

Bash pointed out that El-Sayed hadn’t been mentioned in Stevens’ remarks. In response, Stevens indicated some hesitation, saying, “Well, look, I would just say you asked me if I’m still on the team. I’m on the team.”

The interaction highlighted existing tensions within the Michigan Democratic coalition following divisive primary battles. These divisions touched on complex issues surrounding Israel and Iran, shaping the party’s overall direction. Stevens’ supporters, who include important voter segments, such as Black and Jewish voters, have been critical for El-Sayed as he prepares for the general election against Republican Mike Rogers.

Stevens pointed out that El-Sayed has a significant task ahead to reconnect with the voters who supported her during the primary.

When discussing whether El-Sayed was adequately addressing concerns from her former supporters in Michigan’s Black and Jewish communities, Stevens mentioned she had recommended he deliver a speech specifically aimed at Black voters. “I had said to, you know, the coordinated campaign, I’m like, hey, give a speech in the Black community, right?” she commented, adding that it simply never happened.

El-Sayed is set to face former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers in a closely watched contest for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters, a race crucial for the future balance of the Senate.

The election has quickly become a litmus test for the more progressive wing of the Democratic Party. El-Sayed’s platform includes ambitious proposals like Medicare-for-All and halting U.S. military aid to Israel, while Rogers attempts to position him as outside the state’s political mainstream.