DETROIT — Former President Barack Obama’s endorsement of Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed has not persuaded every Black voter interviewed in Detroit, according to Fox News Digital. The publication spoke with more than a dozen voters; most said they planned to support El-Sayed, while some remained undecided. The interviews also found voters who said Obama’s support improved their view of the candidate.
Several undecided voters said they wanted to make their own choice rather than rely on a prominent endorsement. One, identified as Mercedes, said she viewed the backing as a turnoff, citing her concern that candidates use Obama to influence Democratic voters. Anthony said the endorsement had not shifted his position and questioned whether Obama had delivered enough for minority-owned businesses and communities. Juanita likewise said she did not want to feel pushed toward a candidate because Obama supported him. Rita, who said she had recently experienced homelessness, preferred to conduct her own research.
The endorsement was not decisive even for some El-Sayed supporters. One voter told Fox News Digital that a candidate’s own record mattered more than Obama’s approval. Other voters welcomed the endorsement. Jamel, who said he planned to vote for El-Sayed, described himself as a strong Obama supporter. Kenya said the former president’s backing mattered to her community and made her more inclined to support the nominee.
Voters also differed over El-Sayed’s previous criticism of Obama. In a 2012 opinion column, El-Sayed faulted the then-president over war, civil liberties and deportations, and characterized Obama’s reelection as no victory. The article says El-Sayed later softened those remarks, praising Obama’s response to the conditions he inherited and saying disagreement can coexist with admiration.
Juanita questioned how Obama could now endorse someone who had once opposed him. Anthony described El-Sayed’s change in position as a political reversal but said people’s views and objectives can change. Nia, who said she intended to back El-Sayed, argued that shifts in political alliances are common, pointing to Vice President JD Vance’s earlier criticism of President Donald Trump.
The interviews also reflected recognition of Obama’s ongoing influence. Vincent, who said he had voted early for El-Sayed, acknowledged the former president’s large following, but said voters increasingly want results from both parties.
The story places the street interviews alongside other indications of uncertainty about El-Sayed’s support among Black voters. It reports that pre-primary polling showed stronger backing for Rep. Haley Stevens among Black Democratic voters, and that a recent MS NOW focus group found some Michigan participants reluctant to support El-Sayed. A Fox News poll from late September put his support among African American voters at 77 percent; the article does not provide further methodological details for that figure.
Kandia Milton, a government affairs professional with ties to Detroit’s African American community, disputed the suggestion that El-Sayed would have trouble winning Black voters’ support. She said he was familiar to Detroit residents and argued that knowledge of his background and record could build enthusiasm. Milton also called Obama’s endorsement a boost for the campaign and said it could ease perceptions of tension between the two men. At the same time, she said voters were researching El-Sayed rather than automatically following the endorsement.
Republican nominee Mike Rogers is seeking support from disaffected Democrats, including Black voters in Detroit, the article reports. Fox News’ latest Power Rankings rated the Michigan Senate contest a toss-up. Representatives for Obama and El-Sayed did not respond to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment, according to the publication.
