Barack Obama and Democratic Leaders Back Abdul El-Sayed

Former President Barack Obama spoke by phone with Dr. Abdul El-Sayed on Friday following El-Sayed's victory in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate in Michigan. The two discussed the necessity of unifying the Democratic party before the November general election, where El-Sayed will face Republican nominee and former Representative Mike Rogers in a race that could determine control of the Senate.

El-Sayed, who campaigned on a progressive and anti-establishment platform, defeated moderate Representative Haley Stevens to secure the nomination. The call from Obama is part of a broader outreach effort by prominent party figures to support El-Sayed's candidacy. Other leaders who have contacted him include Vice President Kamala Harris and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.