Michigan Democrat El-Sayed Seeks Obama’s Support After Contentious Primary

Abdul El-Sayed, Michigan’s Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, disclosed Sunday that he recently communicated with former President Barack Obama and is seeking his campaign support ahead of November’s midterm elections. During an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” El-Sayed characterized his Friday phone conversation with Obama as “really warm and inspiring,” though he declined to elaborate on specifics of their discussion.

El-Sayed expressed gratitude for Obama’s counsel and emphasized the former president’s demonstrated ability to win Michigan, citing Obama’s victories in the state during the 2008 and 2012 presidential contests. An Obama spokesperson verified that the call took place. The candidate indicated he would welcome Obama’s presence in Michigan to mobilize Democratic voters before the general election.

The conversation occurred as Michigan Democratic candidates gathered at a Detroit rally to project unity following a contentious primary battle. El-Sayed narrowly defeated establishment-backed U.S. Representative Haley Stevens in last week’s primary, an outcome that highlighted divisions within the party between its progressive and moderate factions.

Facing Republican former Congressman Mike Rogers, El-Sayed acknowledged during a CNN interview that Democrats “aired our differences” during the primary competition. He maintained, however, that internal disagreements are “so much smaller than the similarities that we share,” and stressed the importance of party cohesion moving forward despite differing worldviews among members.

Rogers has attempted to exploit Democratic divisions through campaign messaging directed at party members concerned about leftward movement, telling disaffected Democrats “you have a home with us.” Democratic Senator Gary Peters is retiring, making the Michigan seat a prime target for Republicans seeking Senate control.