Michigan Senate Race: Obama Backs El-Sayed in Detroit

Barack Obama endorsed Abdul El-Sayed in Detroit on Saturday, marking the former president's first public appearance for the Democratic Senate nominee.

Speaking at Cass Technical High School, Obama addressed a crowd of thousands during the opening day of early voting in Michigan. The rally took place ahead of the November 3 general election. Jocelyn Benson, the Democratic nominee for governor, also spoke at the event.

Obama described El-Sayed as a candidate who would complete the work begun by the Affordable Care Act. He stated that El-Sayed would guarantee quality and affordable healthcare for all Americans. The former president contrasted this with the current administration, which he accused of enriching the Trump family.

Obama criticized Donald Trump for selling favors and focusing on superficial matters. He mocked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for prioritizing the physical appearance of troops. On economic policy, Obama noted that Trump imposed tough tariffs on Canada, a neighbor that provided the United States with cultural icons and maple syrup.

The Detroit stop was part of a multi-state campaign tour for Obama. He began the weekend in Cleveland, Ohio, where he supported Senator Sherrod Brown and Governor Amy Acton. Obama returned to Detroit after last campaigning in the city in October 2024 for Kamala Harris.

El-Sayed faces a challenging path in Wayne County, where Detroit is located. In the August primary, El-Sayed lost to moderate challenger Haley Stevens in that county by a margin of roughly 51% to 45%. Obama acknowledged that the two men had previously disagreed on policy details, specifically regarding the Affordable Care Act. He said they do not agree on every issue, comparing their dynamic to his relationship with his wife, Michelle.

National polling data shows the race is close. A Marist poll from mid-October placed El-Sayed at 50% and Republican challenger Mike Rogers at 48%. The Cook Political Report rates the contest as a toss-up. Republicans have not held a Michigan Senate seat in 25 years, but they view this race as a potential pickup. Trump is scheduled to rally in Port Huron on Sunday, his first visit to St. Clair County as president.

El-Sayed, a doctor and former Wayne County health official, would become the first Muslim and first Egyptian American in the U.S. Senate if elected. Trump has called him a jihadist, a claim El-Sayed denies. Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin, who lost to Rogers in 2024, spoke at the rally to support El-Sayed. She said Michigan voters prefer candidates who fight, and that the party is focusing on checking the power of the current administration.