Conservative podcaster Megyn Kelly has given a new nickname to Michigan Congresswoman and U.S. Senate hopeful Haley Stevens, following a viral campaign speech in which Stevens' accent drew widespread attention and mockery.
During a campaign event, Stevens delivered a speech encouraging supporters to "stick it to them," a clip of which circulated online, highlighting what some perceived as an altered or thickened accent. In the video, Stevens stated, "I am gonna be workin' on our behalf, I am gonna be tellin' the stories on our behalf... And you better believe I'm gonna be doin' it with a little bit of joy, a little bit of enthusiasm, a little bit of energy, and a little bit of 'stick it to 'em!' Because that's the Michigan way!"
Kelly, in an episode of her show, questioned the authenticity of Stevens' delivery, suggesting it was an act. "This woman, she's not playing it straight," Kelly said. "This is not how she's always talked. She's Jasmine Crockett. That's what we're realizing. This is a new Jasmine Crockett."
Kelly then mimicked the accent, questioning whether voters in Michigan require such a delivery. She noted that other Michigan politicians do not speak in a similar manner.
This situation echoes that of Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, a colleague of Stevens, who faced similar criticism earlier this year for adopting a deeper Southern accent during her U.S. Senate campaign.
Stevens, however, has embraced the viral clip, with her campaign reportedly creating signs featuring the "stick it to 'em" slogan. She told TMZ that her speech was "authentically Michigan."
Stevens is currently seeking the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat in Michigan. She is competing in the primary against Abdul El-Sayed, a former Detroit health director. Stevens has garnered endorsements from prominent state and national figures, including Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who recently voiced her support in a video shared by Stevens. "Just like me, Haley will do whatever it takes to get things done for the people of Michigan, and we need her now more than ever," Whitmer stated.
El-Sayed responded to Whitmer's endorsement by suggesting that the "corporate establishment has closed ranks" and that "Michigan voters will get to make theirs."
Michigan's primary election is scheduled for August 4, with early voting having commenced on July 25. The U.S. Senate seat is an open one, as incumbent Democrat Gary Peters is not seeking reelection. Peters has endorsed Stevens in the primary. The Cook Political Report rates the general election contest as a "toss-up." The Republican nominee is former Congressman Mike Rogers, who is unopposed in his party's primary.
