Conversely, the decision provoked immediate political blowback from Democratic leadership. Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel strongly rebuked the move, stating on X that Stevens would no longer be considered a member of the state party, while El-Sayed dismissed the political impact of the endorsement, stating that he was focused on policy and the broader Michigan electorate rather than intra-party politics.<ref name="WDIV_Endorsement" /> | Conversely, the decision provoked immediate political blowback from Democratic leadership. Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel strongly rebuked the move, stating on X that Stevens would no longer be considered a member of the state party, while El-Sayed dismissed the political impact of the endorsement, stating that he was focused on policy and the broader Michigan electorate rather than intra-party politics.<ref name="WDIV_Endorsement" /> |