Jason Turkish, a civil rights attorney and the fiancé of Michigan Rep. Haley Stevens, is making headlines after endorsing Republican Mike Rogers over Democrat Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan’s U.S. Senate race. Turkish, a prominent Jewish Democrat, cited concerns about El-Sayed’s comments on Israel. Stevens, who lost to El-Sayed in the Democratic primary, continues to support him. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Jason Turkish Is a Civil Rights Attorney With Ties to Both Political Parties
Turkish is a Michigan civil rights attorney who has become involved in the state’s political community.
He is also a prominent Jewish Democrat who has previously donated to candidates from both political parties.
Although Turkish has supported Democrats, he has publicly criticized El-Sayed over his statements about Israel and what Turkish considers harmful rhetoric toward Jewish Americans.
His concerns eventually led him to endorse Rogers, a former Republican congressman running for the U.S. Senate.
Turkish explained his decision in interviews with The Detroit News and Jewish Insider, saying he believed he needed to speak publicly.
2. Haley Stevens’ Fiancé Has a History of Supporting Both Parties
Turkish is engaged to Stevens, who represents Michigan in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The couple announced their engagement following Stevens’ loss to El-Sayed in the August 2026 Democratic Senate primary.
Despite their relationship, the two have taken different positions in the general election.
Stevens has continued supporting El-Sayed, while Turkish announced he would vote for Rogers.
During an appearance on CNN, Stevens described their political disagreement as a “household divided.”
She also called on El-Sayed to condemn campaign messaging that she believes could alienate voters, including an advertisement featuring conservative commentator Tucker Carlson and an outside advertisement connecting U.S. aid to Israel with rising prices.
3. Why Jason Turkish Endorsed Republican Mike Rogers
Turkish announced his support for Rogers on October 28, explaining that El-Sayed’s statements about Israel played a significant role in his decision.
He told reporters at a Republican Jewish Coalition event that El-Sayed’s campaign repeatedly “references Jews or Jewish-related associations as a reason why people should give money to his campaign.”
Turkish said he made his final decision after the first general election debate, when El-Sayed described Israel as a threat to the United States comparable to Iran.
“It is 100% disqualifying to be a United States senator,” Turkish told Jewish Insider.
He also criticized El-Sayed’s campaign over its response to advertisements involving Israel.
“I have waited week after week, day after day, for him to disavow this hate without equivocation. He won’t do it,” Turkish said in a video statement.
Rogers welcomed Turkish’s endorsement, calling it “one of those good surprises.”
4. What Led Him to Speak Out Against Democratic Candidate Abdul El-Sayed
Turkish told Jewish Insider that he decided to announce his endorsement and attend the Republican Jewish Coalition event because he “couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t speak up.”
He also addressed the potential political consequences for Stevens.
“This isn’t about Haley’s career. This isn’t about my support. This is about who Abdul El-Sayed supports. That he supports a man who says America deserves 9/11,” Turkish said.
“I believe that Abdul El-Sayed is actively losing this campaign for Senate right now by not standing up against hate, and that history will remember who stands where in this moment, and that it will not remember Abdul El-Sayed kindly, and we need to push his hateful brand of politics to the dustbin of history.”
Turkish also argued that El-Sayed understood that American aid to Israel represented a small portion of the federal budget but continued to connect the issue to domestic spending priorities.
He claimed that “yet Jews are blamed” in campaign fundraising appeals involving healthcare and education funding.
5. Jason Turkish’s Decision Comes Days Before Michigan’s Senate Election
Turkish’s announcement came less than a week before Michigan voters were scheduled to choose between Rogers and El-Sayed on November 3.
The race has attracted attention following the Democratic primary, when El-Sayed defeated Stevens.
Several prominent Michigan Democrats, including Sen. Elissa Slotkin, have backed El-Sayed in the general election.
Stevens has also maintained her endorsement despite her fiancé’s decision.
Meanwhile, El-Sayed’s campaign responded to Turkish’s criticism through spokeswoman Roxie Richner.
“Abdul is focused on building a broad coalition to win Michigan and win back the Senate majority for Democrats. Our tent is big enough for all those who wish to join it,” Richner told The Detroit News.
Stevens, El-Sayed and Rep. Jim Clyburn were also scheduled to participate in a get-out-the-vote event at a Detroit church ahead of Election Day.
Haley Stevens’ Fiancé Jason Turkish: Five Fast Facts You Need to Know