Former U.S. President Barack Obama has endorsed Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan’s 2026 U.S. Senate race, throwing his support behind the progressive candidate ahead of the November 3 election.

Obama announced his support in a campaign advertisement released in October, urging Michigan voters to back El-Sayed for the Senate. He described El-Sayed as a doctor who has challenged powerful interests while advocating for good jobs, affordable healthcare and lower costs.

El-Sayed, a former Detroit health official and physician from Ann Arbor, won the Democratic primary in August after defeating U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens. He is facing Republican former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers in the general election for Michigan’s open Senate seat.

Obama has also campaigned alongside El-Sayed in Detroit, where thousands of supporters gathered for a Democratic rally on October 24. During the event, Obama praised El-Sayed’s healthcare proposals and said he could help advance the work begun under the Affordable Care Act.

The Michigan Senate race is attracting national attention because its outcome could play an important role in determining control of the U.S. Senate. Obama’s endorsement is therefore viewed as a significant boost for El-Sayed as both parties mobilise voters ahead of Election Day.