DETROIT (AP) — Former President Barack Obama will campaign alongside Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed in Detroit on October 24, providing support to the progressive nominee following a competitive Democratic primary. The rally will also feature other Democratic candidates in Michigan, including Jocelyn Benson, the party's nominee for governor. Obama is increasing his involvement in the midterm elections, with plans for additional campaign stops and advertisements in the coming weeks, as reported by The Associated Press.
The Detroit event marks a significant endorsement for El-Sayed, who narrowly defeated moderate Rep. Haley Stevens in the August primary and is now working to unify Democratic support against Republican Mike Rogers. This open Senate seat is anticipated to be critical in determining which party will hold the majority next year.
Obama recorded approximately two dozen advertisements last week for Democratic candidates for governor and Senate, which are set to be released soon. He has previously appeared in campaign ads with Iowa Senate candidate Josh Turek and campaigned in Texas with Senate candidate James Talarico and gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa. Additionally, he is scheduled to headline a Washington fundraiser for Democratic Senate candidates this week.
El-Sayed's primary victory over Stevens was by less than a percentage point and served as a national indicator of the Democratic Party's ideological direction. He received endorsements from prominent progressives, including Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders and Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, while Stevens was supported 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%. This county has a majority Black population. Vice President Kamala Harris campaigned with El-Sayed last month.
The rally on October 24 coincides with the first day of Michigan's early in-person voting period and could provide a boost for El-Sayed and other candidates in a crucial election year for Michigan, which features open races for governor, secretary of state, and attorney general, as well as control of the state legislature.
Benson is set to face Republican Rep. John James in the gubernatorial race, with their first debate scheduled for Tuesday. El-Sayed and Rogers are also scheduled to debate for the first time on October 8.
Obama's involvement in the midterms has been selective, but his increased activity in the final weeks aligns with his approach in previous elections. He campaigned in Detroit on October 22 during the 2024 presidential election and was present in the city on October 29 during the 2022 midterms. His appearances are known to attract large crowds and notable guests, such as rapper Eminem, who introduced him at a Detroit rally in 2024.
This week, Obama will participate in an event with the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, which will include a discussion with Delaware Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester, following a September event with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.