Michigan Senate nominee El-Sayed hopes Obama will join fall campaign after warm call
Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed said his recent conversation with former President Barack Obama was encouraging and expressed hope that Obama will appear on the campaign trail this fall.
Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed confirmed he spoke with former President Barack Obama after his narrow primary win in Michigan and said he hopes the former president will join him on the campaign trail later this year.
"It was a really warm and inspiring conversation," El-Sayed told NBC News’ Meet the Press. He added that Obama’s advice was "very warm, very inviting" and that the former president understands Michigan’s role in holding President Donald Trump accountable and in the Senate fight.
When asked if Obama plans to appear on the trail, El-Sayed replied, "I really hope so." He also noted that Democrats out-voted Republicans by about 500,000 in the primary and suggested a similar margin could lead to a landslide victory in November.
El-Sayed, a physician and former county health director, secured the nomination with endorsements from progressive figures such as Senator Bernie Sanders, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Representative Ro Khanna. He dismissed concerns about his support base, emphasizing a broad coalition that includes younger voters and those who follow progressive media personalities.
The candidate addressed criticism over his association with Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, calling the resurfaced remarks about 9/11 "dumb" and labeling the scrutiny as "gotcha politics." He said his priority is reaching voters, not focusing on who campaigns with him.
Republican opponents have begun attacking El-Sayed, using his full name in ads, a tactic he compared to similar attacks on former President Obama.
Prominent Democrats quickly rallied behind El-Sayed after the primary. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said he is optimistic about winning the Senate and Michigan, while Governor Gretchen Whitmer campaigned with him. Former primary opponent Rep. Haley Stevens also expressed no hard feelings and pledged support. Senator Chris Murphy said he expects many Senate colleagues to travel to Michigan to back El-Sayed, noting the contrast between El-Sayed’s platform and that of Republican nominee Mike Rogers.