Haley Stevens‘ endorsement of Republican Mike Rogers divided The View panel during a discussion about the Michigan Senate race. Stevens backed Rogers after losing the Democratic Senate primary to Abdul El-Sayed, despite previously saying she would support him in the general election. While some panelists questioned what motivated the change, Alyssa Farah Griffin and Sara Haines defended Stevens’ decision to cross party lines.
Alyssa Farah Griffin and Sara Haines defend Haley Stevens’ decision
Stevens endorsed Rogers over the weekend after previously pledging to support El-Sayed following the Democratic primary. The decision drew criticism from Democrats and was followed by the resignation of Stevens’ chief of staff and several other members of her team. TheWrap reported that the endorsement divided The View panel during Monday’s Hot Topics discussion.
Griffin argued that Stevens had the right to follow what she believed was the principled choice. She compared the situation with former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney’s decision to break with her party and support Kamala Harris.
“If this woman feels this is the principled position for her, she has every right to do that,” Griffin said.
Haines went further and called Stevens’ decision “brave.” She pushed back against the idea that crossing party lines automatically amounted to betrayal, arguing that political parties should continue to earn voters’ support rather than expect unconditional loyalty.
“Integrity is not just backing your party when you support your party,” Haines said. “The real test is backing them when it costs you something.” She added that parties “must earn it every single time.”
Her comments echoed a broader argument she made during the discussion about challenging political figures when she believes they are wrong. She also cited Cheney’s decision to cross party lines as an example of a politician acting according to conscience.
However, Sunny Hostin and Ana Navarro questioned Stevens’ reasoning. Hostin suggested that a “bruised ego” could have influenced the endorsement. Meanwhile, Navarro questioned whether Stevens’ frustration with El-Sayed played a role. Navarro also described Stevens’ recent television appearances as “painful and cringeworthy.”
Stevens has pointed to her disagreements with El-Sayed as part of her reasoning. She said El-Sayed told her she was no longer welcome in his campaign and should stay away. Meanwhile, she has also criticized his handling of issues involving political commentator Hasan Piker.
The endorsement came shortly before Election Day in Michigan, where Rogers is facing El-Sayed for the Senate seat being vacated by Democratic Sen. Gary Peters.
The discussion on The View reflected the broader disagreement surrounding Stevens’ decision. Griffin and Haines focused on her right to make an independent political choice. Hostin and Navarro questioned the factors behind her decision to endorse a Republican candidate after previously supporting the Democratic nominee.
