Right-wing podcaster Tucker Carlson has publicly declared his opposition to Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers in Michigan, instead offering praise for his progressive socialist opponent, Abdul El-Sayed.
Carlson, during an episode of his podcast with journalist Saagar Enjeti, stated he "wouldn't vote for Mike Rogers at gun point." Enjeti echoed this sentiment, calling Rogers a "loser" who lost his previous election in 2024 when Donald Trump won the state.
While acknowledging El-Sayed's self-described progressive socialist stance, which he does not align with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), Carlson and Enjeti characterized El-Sayed's campaign messaging as "Trumpian."
Carlson further criticized Rogers, labeling him a "tool of Israel and the intel agencies."
The comments from Carlson come amid speculation about a potential shift in conservative media influence and a desire to forge a new political movement. Earlier in the summer, Carlson hosted figures such as former Georgia Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, outgoing Kentucky Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, and former Director of the United States National Counterterrorism Center Joe Kent at his Maine residence to discuss future political endeavors.
Despite Carlson's strong endorsement of El-Sayed, former President Donald Trump has publicly criticized both figures. Trump previously branded El-Sayed a "Communist loser who hates Jews and Israel" following his primary victory, while simultaneously suggesting El-Sayed's win was "Great news for the Republican Party."
El-Sayed secured the Democratic nomination for the US Senate in Michigan after a close primary race against Congresswoman Haley Stevens.
The U.S. Senate seat in Michigan is currently categorized as a "toss up" by The Cook Political Report, indicating a highly competitive general election.