Former President Obama to speak at Democrat's rally in Detroit — The Guardian

Former US President Barack Obama will speak in Detroit, US, on October 24 at an election rally for Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed. Democratic candidate for governor of Michigan Jocelyn Benson will also take part in the event. The Michigan Democratic Party announced the rally.

The event will take place on the first day of early in-person voting in the state and 10 days before Election Day. El-Sayed confirmed Obama's participation on social media.

Race for a Senate seat

El-Sayed, a physician and former head of the Wayne County health department, is running for the seat of Democratic Senator Gary Peters, who is leaving office. In the election, he will face former Republican congressman Mike Rogers. According to a late-September Marist poll of registered voters, El-Sayed had 51% support compared with 44% for Rogers.

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In August, El-Sayed defeated Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens in the primary by less than one percentage point. She was backed by Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, Peters and the party establishment. According to AdImpact, Stevens and her allies spent nearly nine times more on advertising than El-Sayed's side.

Support for the progressive candidate

El-Sayed advocated for Medicare for All and rejecting money from corporate political action committees. He was endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The candidate also made opposition to US military aid to Israel and criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza central issues of his campaign.

Obama's presence is particularly significant for Detroit, where the former president remains highly popular, The Guardian reports. Former US Vice President Kamala Harris previously campaigned with El-Sayed, and Obama called the candidate after the primary.