Obama Targets Detroit to Close Poll Gap in Tight Michigan Senate Race

Barack Obama addressed thousands of supporters at Cass Technical High School in Detroit on Saturday, attempting to narrow a statistical gap in the state’s Senate race. The former president endorsed Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee, while early voting opened for the November 3 general election. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, the gubernatorial candidate, also spoke at the event.

The race remains closely contested. A Marist poll conducted in mid-October showed El-Sayed leading Mike Rogers, the Republican nominee, by two points. RealClearPolitics averages indicate a similar margin. The Cook Political Report rates the contest a toss-up. Republicans have not held a Michigan Senate seat for 25 years, but they view this election as a strong opportunity for a pickup.

El-Sayed faces specific challenges in Wayne County, where Detroit is the county seat. In the August primary, moderate Democrat Haley Stevens defeated El-Sayed in this district by a margin of 51% to 45%. Obama’s appearance targets this geographic weakness directly. The former president had previously stayed on the sidelines during the primary, where El-Sayed defeated Stevens, who held backing from the Democratic establishment.

Obama focused his remarks on healthcare and economic policy. He stated that El-Sayed would "finish the job we started with the Affordable Care Act and guarantee quality, affordable healthcare to every single American." He criticized President Donald Trump for "enriching himself and his family" and accused the administration of establishing a culture of taking favors. He specifically mentioned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House renovation projects.

The former president addressed prior disagreements between himself and the candidate. El-Sayed, a champion of Medicare for All, once described the Affordable Care Act as an incremental fix. Obama acknowledged that El-Sayed "didn't like some things you did as president." He noted that they do not agree on every detail, comparing the dynamic to his relationship with Michelle Obama. El-Sayed has since described Obama as a mentor figure.

Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin spoke at the rally, stating that "Michigan believes in electing fighters." She said she and El-Sayed agree on many issues despite some differences. The goal, she said, is to put a check and balance on Donald Trump in the White House. Trump has attacked El-Sayed during the campaign, calling him a "jihadist" and alleging ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, which El-Sayed denies.

Obama’s Detroit stop was part of a broader midterm campaign. He began the day in Cleveland, Ohio, where he campaigned for former Senator Sherrod Brown and governor nominee Amy Acton. He is scheduled to return to Michigan on Sunday. The former president’s first in-person campaigning for the midterms began this weekend.

Republican nominee Mike Rogers is a former congressman endorsed by Trump. Rogers lost a 2024 Senate matchup against Slotkin by less than half a percentage point. Trump is due in Michigan on Sunday for a rally in Port Huron. If elected, El-Sayed would become the first Muslim and first Egyptian American in the US Senate. Benson faces Republican congressman John James, whose victory would make him Michigan's first Black governor.