El-Sayed seeks Obama's help as Michigan Democrats push for unity
Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed says he spoke with Barack Obama and hopes for his campaign support as Democrats work to unify after a bitter primary.
Michigan's Democratic Senate nominee, Abdul El-Sayed, has confirmed a conversation with former President Barack Obama, expressing hope that Obama will campaign alongside him in the upcoming midterm elections. El-Sayed described the Friday call as "really warm and inspiring," though he did not elaborate on the specifics of their discussion.
Speaking on NBC's "Meet the Press," El-Sayed said he was grateful for Obama's advice and noted the former president's understanding of Michigan's political significance. Obama carried the state in both of his presidential runs, and El-Sayed said he "really" hopes Obama will return to campaign for Democrats this fall. An Obama spokesperson has confirmed the call took place.
The outreach comes as Michigan Democrats attempt to present a unified front following a contentious primary. At a rally in Detroit the same day, El-Sayed, a former public health official, received the loudest cheers after narrowly defeating establishment-backed Representative Haley Stevens. The primary exposed tensions between the party's progressive and moderate factions.
The general election in this perennial swing state is considered crucial for Democrats seeking to retain control of the Senate. The seat is open, as Senator Gary Peters is not running for reelection. Donald Trump won Michigan in 2016 and 2024, while Joe Biden carried it in 2020.
El-Sayed's Republican opponent is Mike Rogers, a former congressman who narrowly lost the 2024 Senate race to Democrat Elissa Slotkin. Rogers has released a video aimed at Democratic voters, suggesting they would find a home with his campaign if they feel the party has moved too far left.
Acknowledging the primary's friction on CNN's "State of the Union," El-Sayed admitted that "we aired our differences" but stressed that the party's internal divisions are "so much smaller than the similarities that we share." He pointed to signs of Democrats coming together, saying that while moderates and progressives may see the world differently, they share a responsibility to unite.