Conservative commentator and podcaster Megyn Kelly took aim at Michigan Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens, a candidate for the US Senate, after a campaign video sparked chatter online over what critics described as a noticeably different accent.
The moment came during a campaign event, where Stevens urged supporters to “stick it to them” as part of an energetic pep talk. The clip quickly drew attention, with viewers questioning both her delivery and the folksy style of the remarks.
“I am gonna be workin’ on our behalf, I am gonna be tellin’ the stories on our behalf,” Stevens told the crowd, before adding: “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!”
Compared with earlier campaign appearances and past speeches on the House floor, Stevens appeared to lean more heavily into a regional accent during the event, fueling the viral reaction.
Kelly was openly skeptical on her show, arguing that the performance did not sound natural. “This woman, she’s not playing it straight. We’ll show you the proof. Um, this is not how she’s always talked. She’s Jasmine Crockett,” Kelly said.
She went on to compare Stevens to Rep. Jasmine Crockett, saying: “That’s what we’re realizing. This is a new Jasmine Crockett. Like, but I don’t get it, because do Michiganders need you to speak like this in order to vote for ya, with the back in your throat, have your hard A’s,” Kelly continued, while imitating what she characterized as a Michigan accent.
“No I don’t think so, I don’t think they require that, because that’s not how any other Michigan politician talks,” Kelly added.
Crockett, who serves alongside Stevens in the US House of Representatives, also became the subject of online debate earlier this year during her own US Senate campaign activity in Texas, after she was accused of adopting a deeper Southern accent on the trail.
Michigan Democrat Stevens has embraced her viral campaign clip, even making signs with a new ‘stick it to ’em’ slogan
Conservative podcaster Megyn Kelly gave Michigan Democrat Haley Stevens a new nickname
Texas Democrat Jasmine Crockett adopted a thick accent during her own failed US Senate run earlier this year
In a defense of the viral clip, Stevens told TMZ this week that her campaign speech was quintessential and ‘authentically Michigan.’
Stevens, a current member of the US House of Representatives, is running in the primary for the state’s US Seat against Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive who has served as the health director for Detroit, as well as Wayne County.
Stevens is currently riding a wave of endorsements from state and national leaders and has been boosted by polling showing her leaping ahead of El-Sayed.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer was the latest big name to weigh in for Stevens, noting over the weekend in a video, ‘As governor, I’ve had one strategy: get things done.’
‘And that strategy informs everything that I do, and that’s why I’m endorsing Haley Stevens for the U.S. Senate,’ Whitmer stated in a video Stevens shared on X.
Stevens rallies with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who has endorsed her, at an event sponsored by the Teamsters in Detroit this past Friday, July 24th 2026
‘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 added.
El-Sayed responded to the endorsement, telling NBC News, ‘The corporate establishment has closed ranks and made their pick — now, Michigan voters will get to make theirs.’
Michigan’s primary election is August 4, and early voting commenced on Saturday, July 25.
The US Senate seat in Michigan is rated a ‘toss-up’ by the Cook Political Report, and the contest is for an open seat after incumbent Democrat Gary Peters chose not to run again. Peters backed Stevens in the primary earlier this month.
Mike Rogers, a former congressman, has secured the GOP nomination as he is uncontested.
