Haley Stevens endorses Mike Rogers over fellow Democrat Abdul-Sayed

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Michigan Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers on Sunday, a stunning reversal just two days before Michigan voters decide one of the country’s closely watched Senate races.

Stevens appeared with Rogers at Perfect Church in Detroit after her plans to run with Democratic candidate Abdul-Sayed and Rep. Jim Clyburn fell apart amid renewed tensions over Israel.

The congresswoman, who narrowly lost to El-Sayed in Michigan’s August Democratic primary, praised Rogers’ support of investment in black businesses. Stevens said in a video announcing his decision that El-Sayed had made it clear that she was no longer welcome on his campaign trail.

The support comes after days of public disagreements between the former arch-rivals. Stevens criticized an ad by Rebellion PAC, an independent group that supports El-Sayed, that linked U.S. aid to Israel to rising grocery prices.

El-Sayed said his campaign had nothing to do with the ad and categorically rejected its content on Saturday. Stevens initially welcomed his response, but their planned joint appearance has fallen through.

Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., who helped arrange the church tour, told The Associated Press that she asked Stevens not to attend because the dispute had become a distraction.

“I was the one who pulled it off because it became too distracting,” Dingell said.

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The split deepened on Wednesday when Stevens’ fiancé Jason Turkey announced he would vote for Rogers, citing concerns about El-Sayed’s stance on Israel. Stevens initially insisted she would support the Democratic nominee.

The public disagreement comes as Democrats seek to retain the Senate seat vacated by retiring Sen. Gary Peters. Michigan is one of the states at the heart of the party’s effort to regain control of the House.

Stevens, who did not participate in Tuesday’s vote, said she remains a proud Democrat despite her support for her party’s Republican opponents.

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