Kamala Harris campaigns with Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan, focusing on Black maternal health

The former vice president Kamala Harris is joining Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed for a Detroit-area event

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is returning to the campaign trail Tuesday. She will appear alongside Democratic Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed. Their Detroit-area event is focused on Black maternal health, an issue Harris emphasized during her time as vice president.

El-Sayed is working to bring together Democratic voters following a competitive primary, whilst preparing for a November matchup with Republican nominee Mike Rogers. As reported by CNN, Harris and El-Sayed are scheduled to participate in a roundtable discussion focused on maternal health among Black women.

Kamala Harris made maternal health a prominent issue during her vice presidency, addressing the disproportionately high maternal mortality rates experienced by Black women. The former vice president is also scheduled to meet with Detroit-area faith leaders and NAACP representatives as part of a broader voter-turnout effort.

Detroit NAACP President Rev. Wendell Anthony said Harris’ return gives her an opportunity to encourage voter participation in the election. El-Sayed won the Democratic Senate primary in August, defeating Rep. Haley Stevens after a closely contested campaign. He now faces Republican Mike Rogers, a former congressman, in November.

Black voters, including prominent Detroit political and community figures, largely supported Stevens during the primary. The campaign has therefore placed particular attention on reaching Black voters, especially in Detroit. A recent Washington Post-Schar School poll found no clear leader in the contest, underscoring the competitive nature of the race.

Kamala Harris’ Michigan appearance is attracting attention and speculation because she has not ruled out another presidential campaign. When asked about a possible 2028 run, Harris has repeatedly said she is “thinking about it” without providing a timetable for a decision.

Anthony cautioned against treating the 2028 field as settled. “Nobody has a lock on anything,”he told CNN when discussing the future presidential primary.