Democrat Stevens defends endorsement switch to Republican Rogers two days before election

A prominent Michigan Democrat who switched her endorsement to the Republican candidate in the final days of the vital Senate race has defended her decision, saying simply: "I changed my mind".

Haley Stevens, who unsuccessfully ran to become the Democratic nominee, withdrew support for the Democratic candidate who beat her in the primary contest, Abdul El-Sayed.

Ahead of the US midterm elections on Tuesday, Stevens gave her last-minute backing to Republican Mike Rogers, sparking widespread condemnation from her Democratic colleagues.

Stevens and El-Sayed have clashed on a range of issues, including US support for Israel. Michigan is considered critical for Democrats' hopes of winning control of Congress in the midterms.