California Governor Gavin Newsom is campaigning in Michigan this weekend, visiting the key battleground state days after Abdul El-Sayed secured the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate. The trip expands Newsom's national political presence as he continues to publicly explore a potential 2028 White House run.
Newsom's office stated the Michigan visit is intended to support Democratic candidates in the upcoming November elections. The governor endorsed El-Sayed shortly after the former public health official narrowly defeated U.S. Representative Haley Stevens in the primary. "Congratulations @AbdulElSayed on a hard-fought victory!" Newsom wrote on X. "Trump and the GOP are trying everything to rig the rules and silence voters — but they can’t stop a Democratic Party united around working people and accountability. On to November! Let’s take our country back."
It is uncertain if Newsom and El-Sayed will appear together during the governor's visit, which was scheduled before the primary results. Newsom is also expected to campaign with other Michigan Democrats, including Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, and support legislative candidates aiming to shift control of the Michigan House. His itinerary includes meetings with African American community leaders and younger Democratic activists.
El-Sayed's victory has intensified internal Democratic debates about the viability of progressive candidates in statewide races. Republicans have signaled their intent to use El-Sayed's policy positions and past controversies as campaign fodder.
The Michigan Democratic primary was notably contentious and expensive. El-Sayed, who refused corporate PAC funding, overcame significant outside spending, including over $30 million from the United Democracy Project, a super PAC affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, which backed Stevens. El-Sayed ultimately won with 48.5% of the vote to Stevens' 47.5%.
During the campaign, El-Sayed and Stevens exchanged sharp personal attacks. El-Sayed criticized Stevens for relying on corporate funding, while Stevens questioned his stances on the Middle East. El-Sayed's platform includes calls to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and support Medicare for All. His past criticisms of Israel have drawn particular attention.
Republicans have characterized El-Sayed as a progressive figure who could make it easier for them in the November elections. House Speaker Mike Johnson warned against the U.S. being "overrun by Mini Mamdanis," a term also used by Senator John Cornyn of Texas.
Further scrutiny followed reports that El-Sayed's campaign received over $115,000 from individuals affiliated with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). The UAE has designated CAIR as a terrorist organization, and Florida and Texas have also labeled it as such, though the organization rejects these characterizations. Among the identified donors were CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad and El-Sayed's father-in-law, Jukaku Tayeb, a CAIR-Michigan board member. El-Sayed's campaign has not addressed alleged wrongdoing related to these donations.
El-Sayed will face Republican Mike Rogers in November in a closely contested Senate race that Democrats view as crucial for regaining Senate control. This Michigan visit is part of Newsom's broader national tour, which has included stops in Nevada and other states to support Democratic candidates. He has also traveled internationally this year, promoting California's climate agenda.
Critics have accused Newsom of prioritizing his national profile over governing California, suggesting his travel is an unofficial presidential campaign. Newsom has consistently deflected questions about a 2028 presidential bid, stating his current focus is on aiding Democratic efforts to win back Congress. His political organization has reported raising over $1.7 million for Democratic candidates and state parties this year, including approximately $160,000 for the Michigan Democratic Party.
Newsom is expected to be in Michigan from Saturday through Monday, as Democrats aim to build on primary momentum while Republicans intensify their critiques of progressive candidates.