From Barack Obama to Muhammad Ali’s family, these notable Black figures are backing Abdul El-Sayed

Michigan’s Abdul El-Sayed has drawn support from prominent Black political leaders, entertainers, and cultural figures in his Senate campaign

As the clock winds down on the 2026 midterm elections, calls to vote are growing louder. Among the pivotal races across the country for Congress is Michigan’s Senate race, where democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed and republican candidate Mike Rogers are each fighting for a seat to represent the state on Capitol Hill. Endorsements are a big part of political campaigns, and throughout his campaign, El-Sayed has garnered support from various people in the Black community, from faith leaders to community organizations, and most recently, Muhammad Ali’s daughter and grandson, Khalilah Ali and Jacob Ali-Wertheimer.

“Without the civil rights movement, I don’t get to be born here. I mean, foundationally, it is literally organizing in church pews like this that gets the immigration act passed. It was a critical piece of legislation that we sometimes forget alongside the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. And so, you know, my life in America is because of the organizing of Black communities for rights and against racism. And I know that; I understand that,” El-Sayed told Don Lemon, reflecting on his connection to Black communities. “And it’s a big reason why my public service has been rooted in these communities. And I’m grateful for that and honored to be able to get serve—to get to serve alongside Black folks.” 

He continued: “So I hope that folks understand that I didn’t just come to these communities to ask for a vote. I came to these communities over a decade ago to rebuild a health department with and alongside Black Detroiters to do things like put glasses on kids, take on corporate polluters. I understand the great debt that all of us owe to Black folks in this country, and there’s no way to fully pay it off. But I have tried to make my public service career around trying to achieve an America that is befitting of the dreams that anybody and everybody ought to be able to see done here.”

Here are some of the many Black notable figures who have endorsed and/or shown their support for El-Sayed’s campaign. 

President Barack Obama 

“We’re clear about the choice in this election. Abdul is fighting for change. Real change,” President Obama said during a rally in Detroit. “Abdul shares my values of wanting everybody to get healthcare. That if you work hard every day, you should have a living wage. And you should be able, if you’re a young person starting a family, to be able to buy a house that you can afford. And that you shouldn’t have to pay six bucks every time you fill up the tank of gas to get to work. We share those values of making sure everybody gets a fair shot in this society.” 

Former Vice President Kamala Harris 

El-Sayed received former Vice President Kamala Harris’ endorsement in August and joined him in his campaigning efforts in September for an event centering Black maternal health. 

“Dr. Abdul El-Sayed understands that the power is with the people, and that the stakes couldn’t be higher in this election,” Harris said in her endorsement. “While Michiganders struggle to afford everyday essentials — housing, gas, groceries, health care, and child care — Trump and Republicans in Congress are giving away $1 trillion in tax breaks to the wealthy and powerful. Abdul knows that we need bold solutions to the crises facing America’s working families, and he is ready to take on this fight. I proudly stand with him to ensure we win a Democratic Senate majority in November.”

Muhammad Ali’s daughter and grandson, Khalilah Ali and Jacob Ali-Wertheimer

“You know Alis had to show up if there was a fight,” Khalilah shared during a church service in Detroit over the weekend. “This is what legacy is. This is why my father fought.” 

“Abdul El-Sayed is part of Muhammad Ali’s legacy,” her son Jacob Ali Wertheimer added. “There’s trouble in times ahead of us. 
I don’t need to tell you that everybody in this room knows it. We feel the rising tide of hatred; we feel the cost of living increasing by the day. 
But I can assure you, Michigan, that we’ve got another fighter in our corner.  We got a champ in the making in Abdul El-Sayed. And I’m proud to be here to speak on his behalf, and in his support because this is another pivotal time.” 

Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock 

“Black voters are suffering like all of our voters, like the American people in general. It is in our best interest to make sure that Abdul El-Sayed wins this election,” Sen. Warnock told NBC News, expressing his support of the Michigan Democratic candidate.
”We are witnessing a President, Donald Trump, along with his henchmen, and the extreme Court, gerrymander Black voters, especially in the South. Michigan voters have a role to play in that, because they are trying to diminish our voices.”

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley 

“Michiganders deserve a Senator that is ready to meet the moment. That’s why I’m proud to endorse Abdul El-Sayed, a loving husband and father, and a card-carrying union member,” Rep. Pressley said in her endorsement. “He has dedicated his life to serving Michigan communities. From his work with Detroit’s Health Department to his work for the Wayne County Department of Health, Human & Veteran Services, he has shown his ability to lead from outside of elected office. Now that he is running for Senate, he has proven that he will not waver when it comes to ending genocide; he will work to end gerrymandering and fight against environmental racism. Abdul will fight to abolish the filibuster, keep money out of politics, tackle the affordability crisis, and continue the work of making Medicare for All becoming realized. Michigan needs Abdul El-Sayed in the U.S. Senate and so does the country.”

Congressman Maxwell Frost 

Congressman Maxwell Frost, the first Gen Z member of Congress shared his endorsement of El-Sayed in July. 

“I’m proud to endorse Abdul El-Sayed for Senate,” Rep. Frost said in his endorsement. “The Senate has been one of the biggest blockades standing between the American people and the bold change they deserve, and that ends when we send Abdul to the U.S. Senate. Together, we are in the fight to get money out of politics, put money back in your pocket, and pass Medicare for All. Flipping this seat means we can finally get things done, and Abdul has my full support.”

Kerry Washington

Though Kerry Washington has not directly endorsed El-Sayed. The actress joined Swing Left’s Ground Truth canvassing initiative in October, which supported Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed. Similarly, in her push to get people out to the polls, Washington appeared in TikTok videos with young voters, encouraging Michigan communities to vote blue and support El-Sayed’s run for Senate. 

Summer Lee  

Pennsylvania’s first Black U.S Congresswoman, Summer Lee publicly shared her support of El-Sayed in February. 

“Michigan: Abdul is the real deal,” said Rep. Lee in her endorsement. “Too many in Washington want to tell us what we can’t have or shouldn’t fight for. Not Abdul. He has a real vision for how to make life easier for working people, how government can finally work for us. And he has the skills to make it a reality. Abdul is the choice for Michigan. I’m so proud to endorse a candidate who will meet this moment with the grit, character, and fight it requires.”