AOC Tried to Block Stevens From Endorsing Mike Rogers
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez attempted to stop Rep. Haley Stevens from endorsing Mike Rogers in Michigan’s Senate race, but failed.
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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) made a failed effort to prevent Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) from endorsing Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s Senate race, according to recent reports. The Democratic lawmakers’ relationship appeared to sour as Stevens distanced herself from her party’s nominee, Abdul El-Sayed, after a series of tensions.
Ocasio-Cortez Tried to Influence Stevens
Ocasio-Cortez reached out to Stevens via phone and text in the days leading up to her controversial endorsement of Rogers. Politico reported that the two had a 25-minute phone call last Wednesday, during which Stevens expressed her growing frustration with El-Sayed. The conversation initially seemed to shift Stevens’ stance, as her texts to Ocasio-Cortez showed gratitude for the call.
“[T]hank you so much for talking to me and hearing me,” Stevens texted Ocasio-Cortez, according to Politico. “It means the world. Now back to the productive stuff.”
Ocasio-Cortez responded with appreciation, writing, “You really did and thank you for talking to me too. I’m sorry again and I’m really glad we got to connect and talk and I hope we are able to more. Sending you a big hug.”
Stevens’ Discontent with El-Sayed
Stevens had previously expressed frustration over not being invited to a rally Ocasio-Cortez attended in Pontiac, Michigan, in support of El-Sayed. She told Politico that the Democratic Party was becoming an “exclusive club,” a sentiment that reflected her growing disillusionment with El-Sayed.
Stevens narrowly lost to El-Sayed in the Democratic primary but quickly endorsed him. However, their relationship deteriorated after El-Sayed asked Stevens to stop campaigning for him. On Sunday, Stevens attended a church service with Rogers in Detroit before making a public endorsement of the Republican candidate.
“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,” Stevens said. “And he’s right. And that’s why I am endorsing Mike Rogers for the United States Senate today. I don’t belong in Abdul’s campaign. I do not stand with Hasan Piker.”
Ocasio-Cortez’s Political Influence
Ocasio-Cortez, who is considered a potential 2028 presidential candidate, has increasingly used her political influence to support Democratic candidates across the country. She has rallied for figures like Troy Jackson in Maine and Angie Nixon in Florida, showcasing her growing role in the party’s strategy.
Source: Daily Wire
