Michigan political shakeup and regional tensions in the Gulf

U.S. Representative Haley Stevens, a Democrat from Michigan, announced her endorsement of Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. The move followed a public appearance by the two at a Detroit church service, marking a shift in the state's closely watched Senate race.

The endorsement comes after a contentious primary season in which Stevens was defeated by Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed. Stevens stated she was no longer welcome in El-Sayed's campaign due to disagreements regarding Israel. Following her public support for Rogers, the Michigan Democratic Party expelled Stevens, and several of her senior staff members resigned from their positions.

El-Sayed dismissed the impact of the endorsement, stating that he does not think about Stevens and that the development does not change his campaign. With the election scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026, more than 2.3 million ballots had been cast as of Monday, Nov. 2.

Separately, Gulf states are preparing for a potential U.S. military operation against Iran following the conclusion of the midterm elections. Reports indicate that the U.S. has advised several Gulf Arab nations to brace for a possible high-intensity, short-term military campaign.

In response to the potential for U.S. or Israeli action, Iranian officials have warned that any attacks would trigger counterstrikes against regional economic and military targets.