Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens of Michigan attended a church service in Detroit on Sunday alongside Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers, following a public dispute with Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed over an outside advertisement linking U.S. military aid to Israel to rising grocery prices.
Stevens had previously accepted an invitation from Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) to appear at the same Detroit church with El-Sayed, but the event was canceled after Stevens and El-Sayed clashed over the advertisement. The ad, produced by Rebellion PAC, has been condemned by Jewish leaders as antisemitic. Stevens called on El-Sayed to denounce the ad, while El-Sayed stated the ad was not produced by his campaign and that he disagreed with its contents.
Immediate Developments
- Stevens attended the church service with Rogers at Perfecting Church in Detroit on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
- El-Sayed’s campaign asked Stevens to stay away from remaining campaign events, including the canceled unity event with Clyburn.
- Stevens had originally planned to appear with El-Sayed at the church event before the dispute escalated.
Dispute Over Antisemitism Allegations
The conflict centers on an advertisement by Rebellion PAC that suggests U.S. financial support for Israel contributes to higher grocery prices. Jewish leaders and Stevens have characterized the ad as antisemitic. El-Sayed’s campaign denied involvement in the ad’s creation but stated that he disagrees with its contents.
Stevens publicly called for El-Sayed to condemn the ad last week, stating that it was important to address concerns raised by Michigan Jewish voters. El-Sayed responded by accusing Stevens of "relitigating a primary that ended three months ago," though he acknowledged the ad was not produced by his campaign.
Political Reactions and Campaign Dynamics
Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers praised Stevens for raising concerns about the ad, stating in a post on X that she "deserves the respect of every Michigan voter" and has conducted herself with "class" since the primary. Stevens’ fiancé, Jason Turkish, has previously endorsed Rogers and attended a Rogers campaign event, citing disagreements with El-Sayed’s positions on Israel.
Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), who helped organize the planned church event with Clyburn, stated that Stevens was asked to skip the event after the dispute became a distraction and upset the church’s bishop. Clyburn’s office confirmed that Stevens remained invited to the event, stating, "This is not Abdul’s event."
Primary Fallout and Party Unity
Stevens narrowly lost to El-Sayed in Michigan’s Democratic primary in August. After the primary, Stevens endorsed El-Sayed, and the two appeared together at party unity events. However, their relationship has since deteriorated, with Stevens offering to assist El-Sayed’s campaign and some of her former staff joining his operation.
Clyburn, a prominent Democratic figure, has focused on voter turnout efforts and avoided taking sides in the dispute. His adviser, Antjuan Seawright, stated that both Democrats remained welcome at the church event and that the invitation to Stevens still stood.
Election Context and Implications
The Senate race in Michigan is closely contested, with control of the chamber potentially hinging on the outcome. The dispute between Stevens and El-Sayed has highlighted divisions within the Democratic Party just days before the election. Stevens’ appearance with Rogers has drawn attention to the infighting, which some analysts suggest could benefit the Republican candidate.