Kamala Harris to campaign with el Sayed as Democrats look to unify voters

Former Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to Michigan next to appear with Democratic Senate candidate Abdul el Sayed as he looks to rally a splintering Democratic Party.Harris was quick to endorse el Sayed following the primary election, and the two have engaged several times since. But Harris heading out to the Great Lakes State marks the first time the pair will campaign together.The two Democrats are scheduled to attend a symposium on the health of black mothers, according to el Sayed’s campaign spokeswoman Roxie Richner. Additionally, Harris will encourage voter registration and turnout, something that has become her role in the midterm elections. “Abdul is thrilled to welcome Vice President Harris to Michigan for a conversation about improving Black maternal health and bringing down healthcare costs,” Richner said.Having the former vice president stump for him marks el Sayed’s latest move in unifying Democratic voters who were divided between the progressive candidate and his primary competitor, Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI), who was a more centrist Democrat and had strong support from black voters. Stevens later endorsed el Sayed after the bitter primary, marked by fighting over support for Israel and corporate spending.On Wednesday, el Sayed traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with Democratic senators who later voiced optimism about the progressive Democrat’s chances against Republican nominee Mike Rogers in November.SENATE DEMOCRATS EMERGE UNITED BEHIND ABDUL EL SAYED AFTER CLOSED-DOOR MEETING Following the meeting, Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) said they had a “great conversation” with el Sayed, and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee chairwoman, revealed she and her colleagues strongly support his campaign. Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) was also swooned by el Sayed despite previously endorsing Stevens, saying, “He is running a really good race.”Harris is the latest potential Democratic presidential candidate for 2028 to stump for el Sayed, with former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg rallying for the candidate in August. Campaigning for el Sayed is advantageous for both Harris and Buttigieg, two rumored 2028 Democratic White House hopefuls, to beef up their national name recognition.