Stevens Endorsement Boosts El-Sayed Fundraising

Abdul El-Sayed's campaign reported raising more than $2.4 million on Sunday, the same day his former Democratic primary rival Rep. Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers. The financial surge occurred immediately after Stevens announced her switch in support, a move that divided the Democratic coalition in Michigan.

Rep. Debbie Dingell of Michigan described the reaction to Stevens' decision as a backlash. In an interview with Major Garrett on Monday, Dingell stated that the endorsement is galvanizing many communities. She noted that Black pastors contacted her to question how Stevens could claim to represent their interests after switching sides.

The rift deepened over the weekend after Stevens demanded that El-Sayed apologize for past remarks regarding U.S. aid to Israel and condemn a specific advertisement. El-Sayed's campaign, which said it was not affiliated with the ad in any way, viewed the demand as an attempt to relitigate a primary that ended three months ago. El-Sayed subsequently pulled out of a Sunday campaign event where the two were expected to appear together.

Stevens, who had initially endorsed El-Sayed after he won the nomination, spent Sunday morning at a church with Rogers before formally offering her support. She told reporters that she was booed off the stage while attempting to stand with her party. Dingell, who advised Stevens that the situation had become a distraction, said she is worried about the dynamics within the caucus but urged colleagues to avoid making more drama.

Dingell expressed fatigue with the internal conflicts, stating that the focus must be on winning the election scheduled for tomorrow. She emphasized that the caucus needs to concentrate on the vote rather than internal disagreements. The campaign's ability to convert the anger over Stevens' endorsement into voter turnout will be the primary metric for the remaining days of the race.