Abdul El-Sayed speaks with Obama after Michigan primary win

Abdul El-Sayed spoke with former President Barack Obama on Thursday, hours after winning Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary, and said he hopes Obama will campaign with him ahead of November’s general election.

El-Sayed told NBC’s “Meet the Press” that the conversation lasted 15 to 20 minutes and that Obama offered congratulations and encouragement. “He was very supportive,” El-Sayed said. “I really enjoyed it.” The former president has not endorsed El-Sayed and has not committed to public appearances in Michigan, but the call signals growing high-profile interest in the race.

Michigan’s Senate contest is one of the most competitive in the country, with Democrats aiming to flip the seat held by Republican Sen. Debbie Stabenow. El-Sayed defeated three primary opponents Tuesday, including Rep. Shri Thanedar, by emphasizing progressive policies like Medicare for All and climate action. His victory shows the party’s left wing remains energized after 2020, but he faces a tough race against likely GOP nominee Mike Rogers, a former congressman with strong national security credentials.

Obama’s potential involvement could provide El-Sayed with a critical boost in a swing state that President Joe Biden won by 2.8 points in 2020. El-Sayed’s campaign has struggled to match Rogers in fundraising, and a visit from Obama—even a brief one—could help shift momentum. The former president has been selective with endorsements and campaign appearances this cycle, focusing on battleground states where his presence could make a difference. El-Sayed’s team is now weighing how to leverage the Obama connection as they turn toward the general election.