ElSayed Hopes Obama Will Campaign in Michigan After Call

Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul ElSayed said he spoke with former President Barack Obama on Friday, August 7, 2026, and expressed hope that Obama will join him on the campaign trail as the party seeks to unify ahead of the November general election. The conversation came days after ElSayed narrowly defeated moderate U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens in a contentious primary that highlighted divisions within the Democratic Party.

ElSayed described the call as "really warm and inspiring" during separate appearances on NBC's "Meet the Press" and CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday, August 9. He said he was grateful for Obama's advice and noted that the former president understands the critical role Michigan will play in determining control of the Senate. "We talked a lot about what it'll take to win," ElSayed said. "Obviously, his presence here in Michigan would mean so much to the coalition that helped elect him. So I hope that we get to campaign together."

An Obama spokesperson confirmed the call took place. According to representatives for both men, the discussion focused on strategies to unite Democrats and secure Michigan's critical Senate seat in November. Obama, who carried...