Abdul El-Sayed Raises $2.4 Million as Michigan Democrat’s GOP Endorsement Sparks Party Revolt and Trump Praise

Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed’s campaign reported raising $2.4 million in a single day after Congresswoman Haley Stevens unexpectedly endorsed his Republican opponent, Mike Rogers. The announcement came November 2, just one day before Michigan’s midterm elections, transforming an extraordinary political controversy into a major fundraising moment for the Democratic nominee.

According to El-Sayed’s campaign, the fundraising haul included more than 65,000 contributions, with 29,602 coming from first-time donors. The average donation was approximately $37. The campaign presented the figures as evidence of grassroots enthusiasm following Stevens’ endorsement, although the exact amount raised specifically after her announcement has not been independently established.

Stevens stunned Michigan Democrats on November 1 by appearing alongside Rogers at Detroit’s Perfecting Church and announcing her support for his Senate candidacy. The decision contradicted her earlier commitment to support the Democratic nominee following her defeat by El-Sayed in August’s primary, immediately creating tensions within a party fighting to retain the seat.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, who had supported Stevens during the primary, condemned her endorsement as a «despicable betrayal». Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also criticized the decision, warning about its potential consequences for Michigan families. Their reactions illustrated the depth of frustration among senior Democrats over Stevens’ decision to support Trump’s Republican ally.

The backlash extended beyond public criticism. Michigan’s Democratic Party expelled Stevens, while several congressional staff members reportedly resigned in protest. Democratic lawmakers accused her of undermining their efforts just before Election Day. The dispute exposed a significant fracture within Michigan’s Democratic establishment at a moment when party unity was especially important.

During the Democratic primary, Stevens had described Rogers as «a rubber stamp for Donald Trump’s dangerous agenda». Her reversal therefore attracted additional scrutiny, particularly from Democrats questioning why she now supported a candidate she had previously criticized. The endorsement also contradicted her earlier pledge to rally behind whoever won the Democratic nomination.

Stevens justified her endorsement by citing her deteriorating relationship with El-Sayed, particularly disagreements involving Israel and Gaza. Discussing her exclusion from his campaign activities, she declared, «And he’s right, and that’s why I am endorsing Mike Rogers for the United States Senate today.» She nevertheless maintained that she remained a proud Democrat.

El-Sayed attempted to redirect attention toward Michigan voters rather than prolong the dispute with his former rival. «At the end of the day, I actually don’t think about Haley Stevens», he told reporters. He emphasized economic pressures, education and household expenses, arguing that the election should focus on residents’ needs rather than personal political disagreements.

Trump welcomed Stevens’ decision, praising her endorsement as an «act of bravery» despite having previously characterized her as a «Radical Left Socialist». Speaking at an Iowa campaign rally, he suggested she could eventually switch parties, declaring, «I’d love her to join the Republican Party actually.» Republicans quickly celebrated the unexpected endorsement.

The controversy erupted as Democrats sought to retain the Senate seat being vacated by Gary Peters. Rogers hoped to strengthen the Republican majority, while El-Sayed campaigned on economic issues and progressive policies. Michigan’s competitive contest carried national implications, with both parties seeking crucial seats that could determine control of Congress.

As Election Day approached, Stevens’ endorsement left Michigan Democrats divided while giving Republicans an unexpected political talking point. Yet El-Sayed’s campaign simultaneously reported its strongest fundraising day, with thousands of donors contributing. Whether the controversy ultimately benefited either candidate remained uncertain, leaving voters to determine its consequences at the ballot box.