DETROIT (Michigan News Source) – Former President Barack Hussein Obama II will campaign alongside Abdul El-Sayed in Detroit on Oct. 24, giving the Democratic U.S. Senate nominee a prominent ally as he works to strengthen support among Black voters and unite the party ahead of November’s election. Obama will also campaign for Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson.

The appearance follows a closely contested Democratic primary. U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens lost to El-Sayed in the Aug. 4 election but carried Wayne County with roughly 51% of the vote to his 45%. Obama’s appearance could help persuade voters who supported Stevens to back El-Sayed.

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Rogers, meanwhile, has sought to attract dissatisfied Democrats through his “Democrats for Mike Rogers” coalition. Participants include Chelsea Rebeck, a self-described lifelong Democrat who supported Stevens in the primary.

The rally coincides with the first day of Michigan’s required nine-day early in-person voting period, which runs Oct. 24 through Nov. 1.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris also campaigned with El-Sayed in Detroit on Sept. 22, participating in a roundtable on Black maternal health as he worked to broaden his support among traditional Democratic constituencies.

El-Sayed faces Republican nominee Mike Rogers in a competitive race, with recent polling generally showing the Democrat holding a narrow lead.