Obama campaigns for El-Sayed in Michigan, criticizes Trump administration ahead of 2026 midterms
Former President Barack Obama rallied for Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed in Detroit, describing the 2026 midterm environment as one where 'change is in the air' while attacking Trump on governance and financial dealings.
What happened
Barack Obama campaigned for Michigan Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed at a Detroit rally, stating that the 2026 midterm election 'feels just a little bit different' and that voters are 'hungry for something better.' Obama criticized the Trump administration, calling Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth 'not serious people' and accusing Trump of profiting off the presidency. He also praised Michigan gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson and urged voters to elect 'serious' leaders. Meanwhile, in New Hampshire, Democratic congressional candidate Chris Pappas held a podcast taping with Vice President Kamala Harris and criticized Republican opponent John Sununu's record on abortion rights. With ten days until the midterm election, Democrats are working to retain their 47 Senate seats and pick up four more.
Context
Obama's framing of the election as a moment of significant political change reflects Democratic efforts to mobilize voters around economic concerns, artificial intelligence, housing shortages, and values-based messaging. The focus on New Hampshire reflects Democratic concern over a competitive Senate race in a state that supported Harris in 2024 while electing a Republican governor—creating potential vulnerability for Democrats despite the state's recent Democratic presidential performance. Abortion rights have emerged as a central issue in the campaign, with Democrats highlighting Republican candidates' positions as a contrast to their own. If elected, Pappas would become the first openly gay man to serve in the U.S. Senate. The midterms come at a time when Democrats must defend seats they currently hold while attempting to gain ground.