Former President Barack Obama held a rally in Detroit on Saturday to support Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Michigan, along with gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson. The event took place on the first day of Michigan’s early voting period, with the general election scheduled for 3 November.
Obama characterized El-Sayed as fighting for reform measures including campaign finance changes and healthcare expansion, stating the candidate would build on the Affordable Care Act to ensure coverage for all Americans. The rally marked Obama’s first public endorsement of El-Sayed following the August primary, during which Obama remained neutral. El-Sayed, a physician and former Wayne County health official, defeated moderate congresswoman Haley Stevens in that primary despite establishment backing for Stevens.
Obama directed criticism at the Trump administration, accusing it of prioritizing self-enrichment and describing a culture of accepting favors. He also made remarks about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Trump’s tariff policies, particularly regarding Canada. The former president acknowledged prior disagreements with El-Sayed on policy details, including the candidate’s previous critiques of the Affordable Care Act, but emphasized shared values around economic fairness.
Polling data showed El-Sayed ahead of Republican opponent Mike Rogers, a former congressman endorsed by Trump. Rogers previously lost a 2024 Senate race to Democrat Elissa Slotkin by less than half a percentage point. If elected, El-Sayed would become the first Muslim and first Egyptian American in the U.S. Senate. Trump is scheduled to hold a competing rally in Port Huron on Sunday for Michigan Republicans.
El-Sayed has faced criticism from Trump, who made allegations the candidate denied, and also drew scrutiny from some Democratic establishment figures over his public appearances. Benson, the secretary of state candidate, faces Republican congressman John James in the gubernatorial race.
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