Detroit Rally: Obama Stumps for El-Sayed on Early Voting Day

Barack Obama stood on a stage at Cass Technical High School in Detroit on Saturday, the first day of early voting in Michigan, to rally support for Abdul El-Sayed. The event marked the former president’s first public appearance for the Democratic Senate nominee ahead of the November 3 general election. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, the party’s candidate for governor, also addressed the crowd of thousands.

Obama positioned El-Sayed as the candidate to secure economic and healthcare gains for working families. 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." This endorsement came after a contentious primary in August where El-Sayed defeated Haley Stevens, a moderate congresswoman backed by the Democratic establishment. Obama remained on the sidelines during that race but is now actively campaigning.

The former president launched a direct attack on Donald Trump, accusing the former president of enriching his family and creating a culture of taking favors. "Never seen a president so intent on selling favors like this," Obama told the audience. He also criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, joking that the official is "laser-focused" on the "jawline and testosterone levels of our troops." On trade, Obama noted that Trump was toughest on Canada, the "well-known evil empire" just across the bridge from Detroit.

Political analysts point to Wayne County as the critical battleground for this race. In the August primary, Stevens won the county by a margin of 51% to 45%. El-Sayed must close that gap to secure the seat. Detroit is more than three-quarters Black, and Obama last campaigned there in October 2024 for Kamala Harris. El-Sayed, a doctor and former Wayne County health official, faces Mike Rogers, a former congressman endorsed by Trump.

Polling data indicates a tight contest. A Marist poll of likely voters conducted in mid-October showed El-Sayed at 50% and Rogers at 48%, a difference within the margin of error. RealClearPolitics averages place El-Sayed ahead by approximately 2.6 points. The Cook Political Report rates the race a toss-up, though Republicans view it as a key pickup opportunity after holding no Michigan Senate seats for 25 years.

El-Sayed has faced criticism from both parties during the campaign. Trump has called him a "jihadist" based on his middle name and alleged ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, which El-Sayed denies. Within his own party, some establishment members questioned his appearances with left-wing streamer Hasan Piker. Obama acknowledged their previous differences on healthcare policy, noting that they do not agree on every detail.

Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin, who appeared at the rally, stated that Michigan believes in electing fighters. She added that the party aims to put a check and balance on the White House. Trump is scheduled to visit Port Huron, on the Canadian border, on Sunday. El-Sayed would become the first Muslim and first Egyptian American in the US Senate if elected.