Michigan GOP Senate hopeful sparks backlash with odd campaign video

Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers posted a puzzling ad aimed at moderate Democrats, drawing sharp criticism on social media.

Mike Rogers, the Donald Trump-endorsed Republican Senate candidate in Michigan, shared a campaign advertisement on social media following Abdul El-Sayed’s victory over moderate Haley Stevens in the state’s Democratic primary. The spot features Rogers repeatedly telling viewers, “You have a home with us,” while his wife Kristi sits beside him making odd facial expressions, prompting a wave of online ridicule. Critics compared the couple to “Lifetime movie villains” and expressed fear at Kristi’s demeanor.

The ad also revived earlier controversies, such as an AI-enhanced image portraying Rogers with exaggerated muscles and a January 2024 report that his $1.7 million Cape Coral, Florida property was listed as his official residence before his Senate bid. Democratic spokesperson Joey Hannum cited a Detroit Metro Times headline mocking Rogers’ stance on inflation, and the Daily Beast has sought comment from his campaign. The episode underscores the challenges Rogers faces in appealing to centrist voters.