US midterm elections: final push as tensions rise

The elections are seen as a referendum on the policies of President Donald Trump’s Republican Party, which currently controls both chambers of Congress. The cost-of-living crisis, compounded by the US-Israel conflict related to Iran, has emerged as a central issue in the campaign.

In a surprising turn of events on Sunday, Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens publicly endorsed Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers over her own party’s nominee, Abdul El-Sayed, in Michigan. This decision followed weeks of disagreement regarding US support for Israel, with El-Sayed opposing military aid and criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s role in the Iran conflict. Stevens has accused El-Sayed of anti-Semitism for his stance.

El-Sayed responded by stating that a vote for Rogers is effectively a vote for Donald Trump, and his campaign reported a significant increase in fundraising following Stevens’ endorsement. Democratic leaders have rallied behind El-Sayed, who has been targeted with Islamophobic attacks throughout the campaign. Michigan Democratic Party Chairman Curtis Hertel criticized Stevens, stating she “does not speak for that larger community.” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called Stevens’ endorsement a “despicable betrayal,” emphasizing the party’s unified support for El-Sayed.

Michigan Jews for Democracy has also voiced support for El-Sayed, rejecting Stevens’ attempt to divide the community. Former President Trump celebrated Stevens’ decision, suggesting she demonstrated “bravery” and even expressing interest in her joining the Republican Party.

Meanwhile, a federal judge dismissed a Trump administration lawsuit seeking to block Alaska from certifying the election results in the Senate race, where Republican Senator Dan Sullivan faces a potential challenge due to a candidate with a similar name. Sullivan has pledged to accept the election outcome.

As of Sunday morning, 54.5 million Americans have already cast their ballots, surpassing the 46 million who voted early in the 2022 midterm elections. Early voting has been particularly strong in Texas, where over 7.7 million people have voted, and South Carolina, where early voting is up 83% compared to 2022. Democrats have shown higher early voting enthusiasm this year, with over 11 million registered Democrats having voted early compared to approximately 8 million registered Republicans.