Stevens Calls Fiancé Criticism ‘Sexism’ as Detroit Democrat Urges Split Tickets for Rogers

Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) is hitting back at critics who say her fiancé pushed her to endorse Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s Senate race. Meanwhile, more Democrats are telling voters it’s fine to cross party lines today.

In a long X post titled “The Decisions We Make,” Stevens called the speculation about fiancé Jason Turkish sexist, the Washington Examiner reported. Turkish said last week he would not support Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed because of his stance on Israel.

“A woman can serve in Congress, run statewide, and fight for her convictions, and still be told that when she makes a choice people dislike, someone else must be pulling the strings,” Stevens wrote. “That is sexism dressed up as political analysis.”

“My fiancé has his own views. I have mine. I made this decision, and I am proud of it,” she added.

‘Shut Out’ by El-Sayed’s Campaign

Stevens said she was “shut out” by El-Sayed’s campaign even after he accepted her endorsement following her August primary loss. She said she asked him to condemn a Rebellion PAC ad that tied grocery prices to U.S. support for Israel. He did, but she was then told she was not welcome at campaign events.

She also pointed to an El-Sayed ad featuring Tucker Carlson, “whose racist and anti-Black rhetoric has no place in a Democratic campaign,” and to his appearance with left-wing streamer Hasan Piker.

“Blaming Israel for the price of eggs and elevating Tucker Carlson are not the way to build trust or bring people together,” Stevens wrote.

She also took aim at party leaders, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who moved to punish her. “We cannot preach inclusion while punishing dissent,” she said.

‘I Will Be Splitting My Ticket’

Detroit City Councilwoman Mary Waters, a Democrat, told the New York Post that many voters don’t realize they can split their ballots.

“Please don’t feel as though that you cannot, if you liked Mike Rogers, that you cannot vote for him. You can, if you want to,” she said. Waters wouldn’t say whom she’s backing, but added, “I will be splitting my ticket.”

Other Democrats backing Rogers include former Rep. Hansen Clarke, state Rep. Karen Whitsett and David Kramer, a former finance chairman for Sen. Elissa Slotkin, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Stevens. Former Sen. Joe Manchin, a Democrat turned independent, also supports Rogers, calling him a “personal friend.”

“Haley Stevens is not the first one to do this. She may be the most prominent one,” Rogers said. “This is a pattern. When you have that many people out on him, people start to listen.”

The RealClearPolitics average has El-Sayed ahead by almost five points, though those polls came before Stevens’ endorsement. About 2.3 million Michigan votes had been cast early, out of about 8.4 million registered voters, the Post reported, citing the Election Lab.

Content created by Conservative Daily News and some content syndicated through CDN is available for re-publication without charge under the Creative Commons license. Visit our syndication page for details and requirements.