President Donald Trump praised Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) for endorsing Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers, saying he would welcome her into the GOP after she broke with her party in Michigan’s Senate race.
Trump Welcomes Stevens to Republican Party
On Sunday, speaking to reporters outside Air Force One, Trump praised Stevens for backing Rogers, calling the endorsement a “big move” that he believed few had anticipated.
When asked whether he thought Stevens should become a Republican, Trump responded, “I’d love to have her.”
Trump also said he would call Stevens to thank her for the endorsement, adding that “she did the right thing.”
Johnson Praises Stevens, Raises Threat Concerns
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) also praised Stevens, saying he had sent her a note and spoken with her about the endorsement.
“I sent her a note. Spoke to Haley and told her how courageous she was, how much we appreciate that she’s standing for truth,” he said.
He also raised concerns about her safety, revealing that Stevens and her fiancé had been receiving threats.
Trump subsequently attacked Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, referring to him as a “jihadist” and a “Muslim Brotherhood guy.”
The president also praised Stevens’ previous Senate campaign against Rogers, saying she was expected to lose by approximately 25 percentage points but ultimately lost by just half a point.
Stevens Appeared With Republican Rival
Stevens appeared with Rogers after being disinvited from a joint event with Democratic nominee El-Sayed over disagreements related to Israel.
Stevens had narrowly lost the Democratic primary to El-Sayed and criticized his remarks on Israel.
Democrats Criticize Stevens, Back El-Sayed
Dingell criticized Stevens, saying Michigan voters were more concerned about rising living costs than political drama and urging Democrats to support El-Sayed.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) backed the reported resignations of Stevens’ staff, saying they understood the importance of electing El-Sayed, defeating Rogers and ending Republican control of the Senate.
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) criticized Stevens for endorsing Rogers, accusing her of embracing bigotry. He also blamed Trump for deepening political divisions and expressed support for El-Sayed.
Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) said voters were more concerned about rising living costs and their children’s future than political drama.
She urged Democrats to focus on countering Trump, protecting the middle class and electing El-Sayed.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo Courtesy: Mark Reinstein on Shutterstock.com
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