Haley Stevens says her decision to endorse Republican Mike Rogers was guided by her conscience, but Democratic strategist Lis Smith offered a different explanation on TMZ Live Monday, calling the move a “personal grievance masquerading as political principle.”
Stevens endorsed Rogers over Democrat Abdul El-Sayed two days before the election, after previously supporting El-Sayed during the two months since losing the Democratic primary. Smith questioned why Stevens had not publicly criticized El-Sayed earlier if their political differences were the main reason for the change.
Smith suggested that the dispute may have intensified after Stevens was disinvited from an El-Sayed campaign church service. She also questioned Stevens' decision to announce her support for Rogers at a Black church, asking whether Black voters were being used as political props.
According to Smith, the endorsement could seriously damage Stevens' political career. She also argued that it might backfire by presenting El-Sayed as an anti-establishment underdog.
Stevens' endorsement followed a clash with El-Sayed over an advertisement she condemned as antisemitic. El-Sayed ultimately disavowed the ad.
Journalist Kara Swisher, who spoke with TMZ in New York City on Monday, said she felt sorry for Stevens and believed she was “going through something.” Swisher added that Stevens' friends were reportedly concerned about her mental health and said she did not expect the controversy to affect the election.
Smith maintained that Stevens' dramatic reversal appeared to be rooted more in a personal dispute than in newly held Republican beliefs.
Sources: TMZ.