Former president Obama to join Michigan Senate nominee El-Sayed on campaign trail in Detroit

Abdul El-Sayed announced an October 24 campaign appearance with Barack Obama in Detroit, as Michigan’s Senate race divides Jewish voters.

Former US President Barack Obama will join Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed on the campaign trail in Detroit on October 24, El-Sayed announced in a post on X/Twitter on Monday.

“It is my honor and privilege to announce that President @BarackObama is joining us on the trail in Detroit on Saturday, October 24,” El-Sayed wrote, adding, “Get. Ready.”

The accompanying campaign graphic features Obama, El-Sayed, and Jocelyn Benson. The post does not specify a venue or an event time.

El-Sayed is facing Republican Mike Rogers in the November election. He is seeking to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters, The Jerusalem Post previously reported. 

Michigan Jewish Democrats press El-Sayed on Israel and safety

The announcement follows renewed calls from Jewish Democrats in Michigan for El-Sayed to address concerns about Jewish safety and his positions on Israel.

In September, The Jerusalem Post reported that 17 Jewish Democratic elected officials, party leaders and activists had joined the Nonnegotiable Michigan campaign, urging El-Sayed to affirm commitments concerning Jewish identity, safety, and Israeli statehood.

The initiative’s priorities include protecting Zionist Jews, recognizing Jews’ right to define their identities, supporting Jewish sovereignty in Israel, and ensuring Jewish participation in American political life.

Organizers described the effort as an invitation to engage with Jewish voters. They said El-Sayed’s campaign had not publicly addressed their requests, and the campaign had not responded to the Post’s emailed request for comment by publication. 

Jewish supporters pledge votes despite disagreements

Other Jewish voters have publicly backed El-Sayed while acknowledging differences over Israel.

More than 600 Michigan Jews signed an open letter pledging to vote for him, the Post reported on September 18. Signatories included former US representatives Sander and Andy Levin and Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus chair Decky Alexander.

The letter acknowledged that some supporters had reservations about El-Sayed’s approach to Israel and language used by his allies, while urging support for his Senate bid.

Sander Levin separately endorsed El-Sayed despite disagreements over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the candidate’s lack of support for a two-state solution. Levin highlighted their agreement on healthcare, housing, labor and climate policy.

El-Sayed has also pursued outreach to Jewish Michiganders. The Post previously reported on a video showing him visiting a Jewish mother and daughter for a Rosh Hashanah meal. The video focused on holiday traditions and food rather than his positions on Israel.