Michigan hosts a highly competitive US Senate race between Republican Mike Rogers and Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed, a contest with potential to shift control of the chamber.

Obama used his remarks to contrast attacks on El-Sayed with false claims about Obama’s birthplace, urging voters not to be swayed by such tactics.

Trump publicly endorsed Rogers, calling him amazing and solid as a rock, as part of a broader push to mobilize Republican voters in Michigan.

Trump had not campaigned in Michigan this year despite the race’s importance and is prioritizing manufacturing investments and the US-Canada tariff issue instead.

Trump planned a rally in eastern Michigan on Sunday to underscore the state’s importance ahead of the midterm elections.

Former President Obama campaigned for Democrats in Michigan the day before, framing attacks on El-Sayed as efforts to undermine patriotism.

El-Sayed denies affiliations with the Muslim Brotherhood and Hillary; Rogers has alleged ties but provided no evidence, while El-Sayed defends his Muslim faith in ads.

Rogers praised tariffs for attracting manufacturing investments in Michigan, citing commitments from Chevrolet and Detroit Diesel, while acknowledging concerns about Canada’s auto tariffs.

Democrats need a net gain of four seats in the Senate and four in the House to overturn current majorities, with Michigan positioned as a key battleground in this effort.