Kamala Harris is to campaign in Michigan with Abdul El-Sayed

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Former Vice President Kamala Harris is set to campaign alongside Democratic Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan next week, as part of the party's strategy to unite voters in a crucial battleground state. This marks their first joint public appearance since Harris endorsed El-Sayed following his primary victory.

Harris and El-Sayed will participate in a roundtable discussion on Black maternal health on Tuesday. El-Sayed, a physician and former head of health departments in Detroit and Wayne County, faces Republican Mike Rogers in the November election. Rogers, a former U.S. representative, has been subject to Republican attacks, branding him as a "radical" liberal.

The Senate seat in Michigan is one of several crucial races Democrats must win to regain control of the Senate. Democrats need to flip four GOP-held seats for a majority, and securing the Michigan seat would significantly aid their efforts. Other prominent Democrats have rallied behind El-Sayed following a divisive primary battle against Rep. Haley Stevens, which underscored internal party tensions, particularly regarding U.S. support for Israel.

Harris, who lost the 2024 presidential race to Trump, is considered a potential candidate for 2028. During her visit to Michigan, Harris will also engage with local officials and the Rev. Wendell Anthony, president of the NAACP's Detroit branch.