Politics
Prospective 2028 Democratic presidential candidates visit Michigan to support Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed
Prominent party figures are traveling to the battleground state to build local networks following changes to the primary calendar.
The short version
- Potential 2028 Democratic presidential contenders, including Pete Buttigieg and Gavin Newsom, are campaigning in Michigan alongside Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed.
- The visits follow a Democratic National Committee vote placing Michigan fifth in the party's 2028 presidential primary lineup.
- Strategists indicate the trips allow prospective candidates to build ground infrastructure, though some candidates may weigh the political calculations of aligning with El-Sayed versus other local figures.
Key facts
- Abdul El-Sayed won the Michigan Democratic Senate primary against Representative Haley Stevens.[The Hill]
- The Democratic National Committee voted to position Michigan as the fifth state in its 2028 presidential primary calendar.[The Hill]
- Pete Buttigieg joined a rally in Michigan to support El-Sayed and Michigan Democrats.[The Hill]
- California Governor Gavin Newsom visited Michigan, meeting with auto workers, faith leaders, and El-Sayed before attending a state party event.[The Hill]
- El-Sayed contacted or received outreach from Maryland Governor Wes Moore, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and Senator Mark Kelly after his primary victory.[The Hill]
What remains uncertain
- The extent to which future 2028 presidential hopefuls will campaign alongside El-Sayed directly versus other Michigan candidates remains unclear.[The Hill]