Politics
GOP Senate Candidate Gets Mocked Over Flattering AI Photo Featuring Him With Massive Muscles
A GOP Senate Candidate in Michigan is being mocked after an AI-generated photo of him went viral for all the wrong reasons.
On Tuesday, June 2, political operative Abby Ronson shared a photo on X wishing former congressman Mike Rogers a happy birthday and showing her support for his Senate campaign. She also shared an image of him that a badge on the post explained was created using artificial intelligence.
In the image, Rogers leads a parade of his supporters and is pictured with rippling muscles and massive biceps. People were quick to find the original photo and drag the politician for the over-the-top flattery the picture portrays. Among those lambasting the Senate candidate were Democrats like Rep. Jared Moskowitz of Florida, who posted an AI-generated photo of himself, also with obviously bulging muscles, writing, “I don’t see the issue.”
Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet of Michigan shared an image of herself leading a parade of her own supporters dressed as Wonder Woman, writing, “Mike and I both wowed at parades recently.”
Rogers’ Senate rival, Mallory McMorrow, shared the photo and wrote, “This is gender affirming care,” referencing Rogers’ 2024 pledge to ban transgender athletes from competing in sports leagues that don’t correspond with their gender identity.
Rumors quickly swirled that a Rogers campaign staffer was responsible for the initial AI image. However, a campaign spokeswoman for the candidate told The Detroit News, which took the original undoctored photo, that Ronson is “not a staffer.” The outlet reports that, while she is not technically a staff member on his campaign, Ronson works with Convergence Media, which is a vendor that is being paid by the campaign.
“Mike doesn’t need AI to frame-mog his opponents,” the spokesperson added.
Despite saying the candidate doesn’t need AI, his campaign seemingly tried to capitalize on the virality, sharing an AI-generated video of Rogers in the same outfit from the photo entering the WWE ring hours after Ronson’s post went viral.
