DETROIT — Former President Barack Obama will campaign alongside Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed in Detroit on October 24, 2026. This event will also feature other Democratic candidates, including Jocelyn Benson, the party’s nominee for governor. Obama is increasing his involvement in the midterm elections, with plans for additional campaign stops and advertisements in the coming weeks, as reported by The Associated Press.
The rally is significant for El-Sayed, who won a close primary against moderate Rep. Haley Stevens in August. He is now working to consolidate support for his campaign against Republican Mike Rogers. The open Senate seat is viewed as critical for determining which party will control the majority next year.
Obama recently recorded two dozen ads for Democratic candidates, which will be released shortly. He has previously campaigned with Iowa Senate candidate Josh Turek and in Texas with Senate candidate James Talarico and gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa. This week, he will also headline a fundraiser in Washington for Democratic Senate candidates.
El-Sayed's primary victory was narrow, winning by less than a percentage point, and has drawn support from prominent progressives such as Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. In contrast, Stevens received backing from Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. Some ads supporting Stevens featured Obama praising her, and she won about 51% of the Democratic primary vote in Wayne County, compared to El-Sayed's 45%.
Kamala Harris, the first Black and South Asian vice president, campaigned with El-Sayed last month. The rally with Obama coincides with the start of Michigan’s early in-person voting period. Obama had a phone conversation with El-Sayed following his primary victory.
The upcoming election is significant for Michigan, with open races for governor, secretary of state, and attorney general, as well as control of the state legislature. Benson is competing against Republican Rep. John James for the governorship, and both candidates are set to debate for the first time on Tuesday. El-Sayed and Rogers will also have their first debate on October 8.
Obama's involvement in the midterms has been selective, but he is ramping up his campaign activities as the elections approach. He has a history of drawing large crowds during his appearances, such as when rapper Eminem introduced him at a rally in Detroit in 2024. This week, he will participate in an event with the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, which will include a discussion with Delaware Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester, following a September event with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.