Obama to Campaign With Michigan Senate Candidate Abdul El-Sayed in Detroit

Former President Barack Obama is scheduled to campaign with Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed in Detroit on October 24. The rally will also feature Democratic candidates for governor, including Jocelyn Benson, and aims to unify the party in the closing weeks before the midterm elections.

The event underscores Obama's increased involvement in the midterm cycle, with additional campaign stops and advertisements planned. The Detroit rally signifies a strong endorsement for El-Sayed, who secured a narrow victory over moderate Rep. Haley Stevens in the August Democratic primary. His race against Republican Mike Rogers for the open Senate seat is considered a key contest that could determine party control of the Senate.

Obama taped two dozen campaign ads last week for Democratic candidates for governor and Senate, which are set to be released in the coming days. He has previously appeared in campaign ads with Iowa Senate candidate Josh Turek and campaigned in Texas with Senate candidates James Talarico and Gina Hinojosa. This week, he is also scheduled to headline a fundraiser for Democratic Senate candidates in Washington.

El-Sayed's primary victory came by less than one percentage point, highlighting ideological divisions within the Democratic Party. He garnered support from progressive figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, while Stevens was endorsed by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. In Wayne County, which includes Detroit, Stevens received about 51% of the Democratic primary vote compared to El-Sayed's 45%.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who is the first Black and South Asian person to hold the office, previously campaigned with El-Sayed last month. Obama, the first Black president, is expected to provide a significant boost to El-Sayed's campaign, particularly as the rally coincides with the first day of early in-person voting in Michigan. Obama spoke with El-Sayed by phone after his primary win.

The rally is also intended to support other Democratic candidates in Michigan, where open races for governor, secretary of state, and attorney general are taking place, alongside contests for control of the state legislature. Benson is facing Republican Rep. John James in the gubernatorial race.

Benson and James are scheduled to debate on Tuesday, and El-Sayed and Rogers will hold their first debate on October 8.

Obama's campaign appearances have historically drawn large crowds. He previously campaigned in Detroit on October 22, 2024, and on October 29 during the 2022 midterm elections. He is also set to participate in an event with the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee this week, featuring a discussion with Delaware Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester.