A political dispute emerged in Michigan's closely watched U.S.Senate race after an AI-generated image of Republican candidate Mike Rogers circulated on social media.

Abby Ronson, a political operative who has worked for prominent Republican figures, posted a birthday message celebrating Rogers and included an image that had been artificially modified.

The platform X labeled the image as AI-generated, and comparisons with the original photograph showed noticeable changes to Rogers' appearance, including enlarged shoulders, arms, chest, and neck.The altered image quickly attracted attention from political opponents.

Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow, a Democratic candidate competing for the same Senate seat, responded with a sarcastic remark on X, writing, 'This is gender affirming care.

' Her comment referenced ongoing political debates surrounding gender-affirming care and was intended to mock the apparent effort to digitally enhance Rogers' physical appearance.The incident occurred during a highly competitive Senate campaign in Michigan.

According to a recent poll cited in the article, Rogers held only a narrow two-point advantage over McMorrow, placing the race among the most closely contested Senate elections in the country.

The controversy also comes as Rogers faces scrutiny over connections between members of his campaign's faith coalition and a Michigan church whose ministers were convicted of criminal sexual conduct involving minors.While one coalition leader reportedly resigned, another remained affiliated with the campaign.

The AI-edited image episode became a source of political ridicule and highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence in political communication, campaign messaging, and online image manipulation during election cycles.