El-Sayed spoke with Obama as Michigan Democrats look to unite after a bitter Senate primary

Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan spoke with former President Barack Obama on Sunday, according to NBC's "Meet the Press." El-Sayed described their conversation as "really warm and inspiring" and expressed gratitude for Obama's advice. He hoped Obama would campaign with him to unite the Democratic Party following a bitter primary that highlighted internal divisions. Obama's office confirmed the call, noting his familiarity with winning Michigan in past presidential elections.

The meeting occurred on the same day that Michigan Democrats, including El-Sayed and other nominees, held a rally in Detroit to present a united front. The event drew significant support for El-Sayed, a former public health official who narrowly defeated establishment-backed U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens in the primary. A Democratic Senate victory in the upcoming midterm elections is vital for the party's efforts to regain a majority, as Michigan has been a crucial swing state since 2016, with Republican Donald Trump winning both 2016 and 2024, while Democrat Joe Biden secured the state in 2020.

El-Sayed will face Republican Mike Rogers, who narrowly lost the Senate race to Democrat Elissa Slotkin in 2024 and has sought to exploit ongoing party tensions.