A Michigan Democrat running for Senate appears to have fabricated an endorsement from a local elected official who says he never once spoke to her or her campaign.
Democratic Michigan Rep. Haley Stevens posted on X to publicly thank Berrien County Commissioner Chokwe Pitchford for endorsing her, calling his work “inspiring.” But Pitchford quickly denied the claim.
Happy September from the Haley Stevens campaign pic.twitter.com/4HvQNfWP6J
— umichvoter ️ (@umichvoter) September 2, 2025
“I am truly honored to be endorsed by Commissioner Pitchford. Your work in Berrien County is inspiring. Thank you, Commissioner,” Stevens said in a now-deleted post.
Pitchford reposted Stevens’ remarks and denied ever endorsing her.
“I literally never endorsed her or heard a word from her team. I promise you, I have not talked to anyone, emailed anyone about endorsements, or even hinted that I would be open to endorsing her,” Pitchford wrote.
Stevens launched her campaign in April for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat, setting up a primary fight against two left-wing challengers. Her campaign website says Stevens will “bring down costs for Michigan families, continue to boost Michigan’s manufacturing and auto industries, and stand up to the Trump-Musk chaos agenda.”
Stevens enters a Democratic field that includes State Sen. Mallory McMorrow and former gubernatorial candidate Abdul El-Sayed. More than 40% of Democratic voters remain undecided in Michigan’s crowded Senate primary, according to a July poll from the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Stevens leads the field with 24% support, closely followed by El-Sayed at 22%, while State Sen. Mallory McMorrow trails at 11%.
Stevens’ office did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
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