Former President Barack Obama campaigned in Detroit on Saturday to support Democratic candidates Abdul El-Sayed for U.S. Senate and Jocelyn Benson for governor, urging voters to participate in Michigan’s early voting period that began the same day. Speaking before a crowd at Cass Technical High School, Obama positioned El-Sayed as a candidate committed to advancing policies aimed at reducing the influence of money in politics and expanding access to affordable healthcare.
Obama emphasized El-Sayed’s pledge to build on the Affordable Care Act, promising quality and affordable healthcare for all Americans. The former president also criticized the Trump administration, accusing it of fostering a culture of corruption centered around self-enrichment and favor-trading at the highest levels of government.
The rally marked Obama’s first public endorsement of El-Sayed, who emerged from a contentious August primary. El-Sayed, a physician and former health official in Wayne County, defeated moderate congresswoman Haley Stevens, who held the backing of established Democrats and pro-Israel groups. Despite lingering questions over El-Sayed’s previous critical statements about the Affordable Care Act, the two have since maintained contact, with El-Sayed referring to Obama as a mentor.
Obama’s speech included pointed jabs at the Trump administration, mocking Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as overly concerned with his appearance and criticizing tariffs imposed on Canada, Michigan’s neighboring country. He also lampooned Trump’s renovations to the White House, comparing the changes to a "Cheesecake Factory" styled by Saddam Hussein.
El-Sayed faces Republican Mike Rogers, a former congressman endorsed by Trump, in one of the nation’s most competitive Senate races. The seat has remained in Democratic hands for 25 years, but Republicans view it as a potential pickup opportunity. Recent polls show the contest roughly tied, with El-Sayed holding a slight edge within the margin of error.
Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin, also speaking at the event, called on voters to elect "fighters" committed to checking Republican power. She acknowledged policy differences with El-Sayed while underscoring shared goals.
The campaign has seen aggressive tactics from Trump, who has questioned El-Sayed’s background and loyalty by linking him to extremist groups—a claim El-Sayed has strongly denied. El-Sayed has also faced criticism from within the Democratic Party for his association with left-wing commentator Hasan Piker.
Trump is scheduled to hold a rally in Port Huron on Sunday, marking his first presidential visit to St. Clair County in Michigan. If elected, El-Sayed would become the first Muslim and first Egyptian American in the Senate. Meanwhile, Benson is contending with Republican Congressman John James in her gubernatorial bid; a James victory would make him Michigan’s first Black governor.
Obama acknowledged that El-Sayed and he do not agree on every issue, stating that disagreement is natural but emphasizing their shared commitment to fairness and opportunity. “We share those values of making sure everybody gets a fair shot in this society and that the system’s not just run for those at the top,” Obama said.