Haley Stevens' endorsement stunt backfires with El-Sayed setting single-day fundraising record

Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed’s campaign says it raised more than $2.4 million in a single day, setting a fundraising record in the final stretch of the Michigan race. asserted

The Democratic candidate's campaign said Sunday’s haul came from more than 65,000 donors, who gave an average of $36.74. asserted

Nearly 29,600 people contributed to the campaign for the first time. asserted

The fundraising surge came on the heels of Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., endorsing Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers on Sunday after months of turmoil following her primary loss to the more progressive candidate. asserted

"As Michiganders head to the polls, the momentum behind Abdul’s campaign has never been stronger," campaign spokesperson Cole Wozniak said in a statement following the final-hour cash haul. asserted

Stevens, who was considered the more moderate establishment candidate in her primary against El-Sayed earlier this year, said she remains "a very proud Democrat" who loves Michigan. asserted

She insisted, however, in the video message posted to social media over the weekend that she could not support El-Sayed, citing his backing from radical left-wing political streamer Hasan Piker. "Hey Michigan, as you may have seen, our Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, Abdul said that I was no longer welcome in his campaign and that I should stay away and he's right. uncertain

And that's why I'm endorsing Mike Rogers for the United States Senate today," Stevens said in a video posted on X. The endorsement of the Trump-backed Republican candidate drew swift criticism from Democrats. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called it "a despicable betrayal" and said his caucus in the upper chamber remains united behind El-Sayed. Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel also condemned Stevens’ decision, saying she had "abandoned everything she claims to care about." El-Sayed brushed off the endorsement Sunday, telling reporters he does not think about Stevens or Rogers and was focused on voters and policy. He also has attempted in recent months to distance himself from Piker amid the streamer's rising national recognition and increased scrutiny on his controversial statements — including antisemitic sentiments and claiming that "America deserved 9/11." uncertain