Former Jill Biden Press Secretary Signals Support for Republican Senate Candidate in Michigan
A longtime Democratic operative has publicly broken with his party’s nominee in a key Senate race.
Michael LaRosa, who served as press secretary to former First Lady Jill Biden, indicated he prefers Republican Mike Rogers over Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan.
The development began with a single word on social media.
LaRosa replied “SAME” to a post in which another Democrat explained support for Rogers.
That one-word response quickly drew widespread attention.
Many interpreted it as an endorsement of the Republican candidate.
The official Rogers campaign account replied: “Welcome to the team, Michael! Glad to have your support as we fight to save this state!”
LaRosa later reposted the campaign’s message.
He followed up the next day with a lengthy clarification.
In the post, LaRosa said he was “genuinely flattered” that his single-word reply had sparked such strong reactions.
He emphasized that he is not a public official, holds no formal role in the Michigan race, and does not even vote in the state.
“I have no constituency, no endorsement apparatus, and no particular political juice to offer,” he wrote.
LaRosa described himself as a lifelong Democrat and political observer who posts on social media as a hobby.
He made clear that he could not support El-Sayed.
“I would rather see someone like Rogers in the Senate than support a Democrat I believe lacks the courage to confront Hasan Piker and rhetoric I find corrosive, antisemitic, and dangerous,” LaRosa stated.
He described Rogers as a “reasonable” Republican.
LaRosa also referenced broader concerns about keeping certain voices out of the Democratic Party while supporting candidates he views as suitable for public service.
The former Biden aide has a long record in Democratic politics.
He served as press secretary to Jill Biden from January 2021 until July 2022.
At the same time, he worked as a special assistant to President Joe Biden.
Earlier, he acted as Jill Biden’s chief spokesman and traveling press secretary during the 2020 presidential campaign and transition.
His prior experience includes producing for MSNBC’s “Hardball,” directing communications for the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and working in House Democratic leadership communications.
After leaving the administration, LaRosa moved into public-affairs and lobbying work.
He has also appeared as a political commentator and has at times publicly critiqued aspects of the Biden White House’s internal culture and press operations.
The Michigan Senate race has already drawn national attention.
El-Sayed, a progressive former public health official, narrowly won the Democratic primary.
Rogers, a former Republican congressman, is the GOP nominee.
LaRosa’s comments add an unexpected voice from the Democratic side to the conversation.
His posts underscore ongoing debates within the Democratic Party about its direction and the candidates it elevates.
Rogers’ campaign has welcomed the attention.
LaRosa, for his part, has framed his position as a matter of personal principle rather than a formal campaign role.
The exchange continues to circulate as both campaigns prepare for the general election.
Benjamin Harris is a RapidReports front page contributor and editor,proud father of four.
