politics

Stevens says of El-Sayed: "Differences were aired out" and "we did the unity deal"

August 6, 2026 / 6:22 PM EDT / CBS News

Stevens says of El-Sayed: "Differences were aired out" and "we did the unity deal"

TL;DR

  • Rep. Haley Stevens is ready to move past the Democratic Senate primary she lost to Abdul El-Sayed.
  • Stevens stated that "everything that needed to be said in the primary was said" and "the time for all this negative, nasty, the disunity stuff it's over."
  • The primary race highlighted disagreements within the Democratic Party over U.S. support for Israel.
  • El-Sayed criticized Stevens for support from the pro-Israel lobby, while El-Sayed is critical of Israel's government and the war in Gaza.
  • Stevens identified herself as a "Democratic Zionist" and believes there is a "home in the party" for her.
  • Stevens was evasive when asked if she would campaign with El-Sayed against Republican Mike Rogers.
  • Stevens stated her focus is on defeating Republicans, saying, "Abdul and I had our primary. It's over."