Obama Endorses El-Sayed in Detroit as Michigan Early Voting Begins
Former President Barack Obama campaigned in Detroit on October 24, the first day of Michigan early voting, to support Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed and gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson. Obama addressed a crowd at Cass Technical High School, urging voters to elect candidates who will remove money from politics and expand healthcare access. He acknowledged past policy disagreements with El-Sayed, particularly regarding the Affordable Care Act, but emphasized their shared values. The rally coincided with a tight race against Republican Mike Rogers, with polls showing a narrow Democratic lead. Trump is scheduled to campaign in Port Huron the following day.
Key points
- Obama held a 'Get Out the Vote' rally in Detroit on October 24, supporting El-Sayed and Benson.
- The event marked the start of Michigan's early voting period ahead of the November 3 general election.
- Obama defended El-Sayed against Republican attacks, including claims of Muslim Brotherhood ties.
- El-Sayed leads by a small margin in polls, with the race rated a toss-up by Cook Political Report.
- Trump is scheduled to campaign in Port Huron on October 25.
Background
Michigan is a key battleground state in the 2026 midterms. The Senate race is competitive, with El-Sayed facing Mike Rogers, a former congressman endorsed by Trump. The governor's race pits Jocelyn Benson against John James. Previous coverage noted tensions between El-Sayed and the Democratic establishment, as well as Republican attacks on El-Sayed's religious background and family history.
How outlets are covering it
The Guardian and CBS News focused on Obama's endorsement and his criticism of Trump's administration, particularly regarding tariffs and corruption. The Detroit News highlighted Obama's defense of El-Sayed against Republican attacks and the presence of El-Sayed's family. WXYZ 7 News provided a brief overview of the rally and its timing with early voting. All sources agreed on the basic facts of the event but differed in emphasis, with The Guardian and CBS News focusing on Obama's rhetoric and The Detroit News focusing on the local political dynamics and family support.
Why it matters
The rally signals a significant Democratic push in Michigan, a state that has not elected a Republican to the Senate in 25 years. The close polls and high-profile involvement of both former and current presidents indicate a highly competitive race that could influence the national balance of power in Congress.
What to watch
Trump is scheduled to campaign in Port Huron on October 25. Early voting continues in Michigan until November 3. Both campaigns are expected to intensify their efforts in the final days before the election.
- Obama rallies rapturous Michigan crowd for El-Sayed: ‘He’ll finish the job we started’ The Guardian
- ‘Change is in the air’: Obama praises El-Sayed and attacks Trump at Michigan rally – as it happened The Guardian
- Former President Barack Obama campaigns for Michigan Democrats at Detroit rally CBS News
- Former President Barack Obama tells Detroit 'change is in the air' The Detroit News
- WATCH LIVE: Former President Barack Obama speaks at campaign rally in Detroit WXYZ 7 News Detroit
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