Former Obama Speechwriters to Fundraise for Progressive Dem Senate Candidate Abdul El-Sayed

Michigan’s heated three-way Democratic primary for the seat of retiring U.S. Senator Gary Peters just got a bit more interesting. According to an ActBlue fundraising web page shared with National Review, Abdul El-Sayed’s ultra-progressive 2026 Senate campaign has nabbed political support from former Barack Obama speechwriters Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, and Ben Rhodes. All three former Obama aides turned high-profile podcast hosts are listed as host committee members for a January 15 El-Sayed fundraiser in Hollywood, Calif.

Favreau and Lovett co-host Pod Save America, a politics show that is listed as the seventh most popular podcast in Apple’s current rankings. Their support suggests that El-Sayed — an epidemiologist and public health activist who is considered the most progressive candidate in Michigan’s 2026 Senate race concerning Israel and public safety issues — is gaining mainstream Democratic momentum in the new year.

El-Sayed will also attend the California fundraiser in person, a source familiar with the matter confirms to NR.

The Democratic primary is considered a competitive three-way contest between El-Sayed, State Senator Mallory McMorrow, and U.S. Representative Haley Stevens. The winner is expected to face Trump-endorsed Mike Rogers, former chair of House Intelligence, in the general election.