Obama to Campaign for Abdul El-Sayed in Detroit During Final Midterm Push
Former President Barack Obama is preparing to campaign in Detroit for Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed as Democrats intensify their efforts ahead of the November midterm elections.
Obama is scheduled to appear with El-Sayed at an Oct. 24 rally in Detroit. The event will also feature other prominent Michigan Democrats, including gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson, as the party works to energize voters during the final stretch of the campaign.
The rally will take place on the first day of Michigan’s required early in-person voting period, giving Democrats a high-profile event as voters begin casting ballots. Obama is also expected to make additional campaign appearances around the country and has recorded roughly two dozen advertisements for Democratic candidates.
El-Sayed is facing Republican Mike Rogers in the race for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat. The contest is one of several Senate races receiving significant national attention because control of the chamber could depend on the outcome.
El-Sayed narrowly won the Democratic primary over Rep. Haley Stevens, defeating her by less than one percentage point after a bruising contest that exposed divisions between the party’s progressive and establishment wings. El-Sayed was backed by figures including Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, while Stevens received support from Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer.
Obama’s appearance is also notable because Stevens performed better than El-Sayed in Wayne County during the primary. The county includes Detroit, where Black voters have long played a major role in Democratic politics in Michigan.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris also campaigned with El-Sayed last month, another sign that national Democrats are rallying behind him despite the divisions that emerged during the primary.
Obama spoke with El-Sayed after his primary victory and is now becoming more directly involved in the 2026 midterms. He has already appeared in campaign activity supporting Democratic candidates in states including Iowa and Texas and is expected to participate in additional events before Election Day.
The Detroit rally will also give Democrats an opportunity to promote their broader statewide ticket. Michigan voters are choosing a new governor, secretary of state and attorney general this year, while control of the state legislature is also being contested.
El-Sayed has positioned himself as a progressive voice on issues including healthcare, economic policy and U.S. foreign policy. His candidacy has also attracted intense Republican criticism, particularly over his past statements involving Israel and the Middle East.
With Election Day approaching, Obama’s Detroit appearance represents one of the highest-profile Democratic campaign events planned in Michigan. The former president’s involvement comes as both parties devote national attention and resources to a Senate race that could have major implications for control of Congress.