El-Sayed spoke with Obama as Michigan Democrats look to unite after a bitter Senate primary
Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed has consulted with Barack Obama as he seeks to unify the party following a contentious primary. El-Sayed hopes for Obama's support in the upcoming midterm election against Republican Mike Rogers.
Why it matters
The race is critical for control of the U.S. Senate, and the internal party dynamics in a key swing state could determine the outcome of the midterm elections.
Abdul El-Sayed , the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Michigan, said Sunday (August 9, 2026) he has spoken with Barack Obama and hopes the former President campaigns with him as the party tries to unite after a bitter primary that exposed deep rifts between its progressive and moderate wings.
Mr. El-Sayed said his Friday (August 7, 2026) conversation with Mr. Obama was “really warm and inspiring.” The candidate did not provide details.
“I was grateful for his advice. It was very warm, very inviting, and I know that he knows the critical role that Michigan is going to play,” Mr. El-Sayed told NBC .
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