Former President Barack Obama will campaign alongside Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed in Detroit on October 24, 2026. This event follows a Democratic primary that revealed divisions within the party. Obama is expected to appear with El-Sayed at a rally that will also feature other Democratic candidates, including Jocelyn Benson, the party’s nominee for governor. Obama is increasing his involvement in the midterm elections, with additional campaign stops and advertisements planned for the upcoming weeks, as reported by The Associated Press.
The Detroit rally is significant 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. The open Senate seat is anticipated to be pivotal in determining which party will control the majority next year.
Last week, Obama recorded two dozen advertisements for Democratic candidates for governor and Senate, which will 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. This week, Obama will also headline a Washington fundraiser supporting Democratic Senate candidates.
El-Sayed won his primary by less than a percentage point in a contest that tested 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 and has a predominantly Black population, Stevens received about 51% of the Democratic primary vote compared to El-Sayed's 45%. Kamala Harris, the first Black and South Asian vice president, campaigned with El-Sayed last month.
The rally with Obama coincides with the first day of Michigan’s early in-person voting period and is expected to benefit El-Sayed and other candidates in a crucial election cycle for Michigan, which features open races for governor, secretary of state, and attorney general, as well as control of the state legislature.
Benson is running against Republican Rep. John James for governor, with their first debate scheduled for Tuesday. El-Sayed and Rogers will also debate for the first time on October 8.
Obama has been selective in his midterm involvement, but his increased activity in the final weeks aligns with his past election strategies. He campaigned in Detroit during the 2024 presidential election and was present in the city during the 2022 midterms. His appearances typically attract large crowds and notable guests, such as rapper Eminem, who introduced Obama 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 previous event with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.