Democratic hopefuls flock to Michigan – and El-Sayed

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The Hill's Headlines (PM) - August 27, 2026

The Hill's Headlines (PM) - August 27, 2026

When Pete Buttigieg appeared at a rally in Michigan earlier this month in an attempt to unify the Democratic Party around Abdul El-Sayed’s Senate campaign, the former transportation secretary wasn’t just lending a hand to the candidate.

Buttigieg, one of many Democrats circling the 2028 presidential contest, might also have been helping himself.

Michigan, which is now Buttigieg’s home state, will have a huge role in deciding who will be the next Democratic presidential nominee.

And Buttigieg isn’t the only contender stumping in the state for El-Sayed, a candidate who divided Democrats in the primary.

Earlier this month, after he won his primary, El-Sayed met California Gov. Gavin Newsom for a coffee in East Lansing, as part of a two-day, multi-stop swing through the state.

El-Sayed has also had conversations with other would-be 2028 contenders on helping his campaign. Just hours after he prevailed in the bruising primary against Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.), El-Sayed texted Maryland Gov. Wes Moore.

He also heard from former Vice President Kamala Harris and Sen. Mark Kelly in the days following his victory, sources confirmed. 

The Hill reached out to El-Sayed’s campaign for comment. 

Michigan, a must-win battleground state in the presidential fight, is increasingly becoming the state where the 2026 and 2028 races intersect.

Democrats are desperate to retain Michigan’s open Senate seat in November to help win back the Senate majority.

It’s also ground zero for the next presidential election and El-Sayed’s campaign is offering an early opportunity for prospective candidates to test the waters with a diverse........

© The Hill