El-Sayed Sets Single-Day Fundraising Record After Stevens Backs Rogers

Abdul El-Sayed’s Michigan Senate campaign said it raised more than $2.4 million in a single day, a record for the campaign in the final stretch of the race, after Rep. Haley Stevens endorsed his Republican opponent, Mike Rogers. The surge, reported by the campaign, came from more than 65,000 donors and drew national attention to a primary feud that has split Michigan Democrats.

What happened

The campaign said Sunday’s haul averaged $36.74 per donor, with nearly 29,600 people giving for the first time. The total exceeded any previous single-day figure for the campaign, according to the campaign’s own account.

The fundraising spike followed Stevens’ video message posted on X over the weekend in which she endorsed Rogers, the Trump-backed Republican nominee. Stevens, who lost the Democratic primary to El-Sayed earlier this year, said she remains “a very proud Democrat” but could not support El-Sayed, citing his backing from political streamer Hasan Piker.

In the video, Stevens said El-Sayed had told her she was no longer welcome in his campaign and should stay away. “And he’s right,” she said, adding that she was endorsing Rogers.

The endorsement drew swift condemnation from Democratic leaders. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called it “a despicable betrayal” and said Senate Democrats remain united behind El-Sayed. Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel said Stevens 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 is focused on voters and policy. He has also sought in recent months to distance himself from Piker amid scrutiny of the streamer’s controversial statements.

Why it matters

The episode shows how a primary fight can reshape a general election. Stevens’ endorsement of a Republican is unusual for a sitting Democratic member of Congress and drew immediate pushback from party leaders, suggesting the Democratic establishment is trying to contain the fallout while keeping its base behind El-Sayed.

The campaign’s ability to convert the controversy into small-dollar donations — an average of under $37 per donor — likely signals grassroots energy, though it is not clear whether that will translate into votes. The timing, in the final stretch before Election Day, means the story is likely to dominate local coverage in the closing days.

Key facts at a glance

What this means for you

• If you are a Michigan voter, the Democratic primary split is now playing out in the general election, with a sitting congresswoman backing the Republican nominee.
• Small-dollar donors drove the record haul, which may indicate enthusiasm among El-Sayed’s base but does not guarantee electoral success.
• Watch for further statements from Democratic leaders as they try to keep the party unified behind El-Sayed.

Frequently asked questions

Why did Haley Stevens endorse Mike Rogers?

Stevens said she could not support El-Sayed, citing his backing from political streamer Hasan Piker, and said El-Sayed had told her she was no longer welcome in his campaign.

How much did El-Sayed’s campaign raise?

The campaign said it raised more than $2.4 million in a single day from over 65,000 donors, with an average donation of $36.74.

What did Democratic leaders say about the endorsement?

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called it “a despicable betrayal,” and Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel said Stevens had “abandoned everything she claims to care about.”

What to watch next

Whether the fundraising surge translates into polling momentum for El-Sayed, and whether other Democratic figures follow Stevens’ lead or rally more firmly behind El-Sayed. The campaign has not said how it plans to use the funds.