Michigan (Monitoring Desk): Ahead of a crucial Senate election in the US state of Michigan, Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens has broken ranks with her party and announced her support for Republican candidate Mike Rogers, prompting strong disapproval from Democratic leaders.
Haley Stevens initially supported Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed but has now decided to back his Republican rival.
The decision drew reactions from Democratic leaders at both the state and national levels, while senior party leadership in Congress announced its support for Abdul El-Sayed.
Abdul El-Sayed, meanwhile, said his focus remained on the election campaign and key issues facing voters, adding that he was not dwelling on Haley Stevens’ decision.
Michigan’s Senate seat is considered important in the midterm elections. Stevens’ announcement has also raised questions about whether her supporters will follow her lead and back the Republican candidate.