Former President Barack Obama campaigned in Ohio and Michigan on Saturday, Oct. 24, as early voting continued for the 2026 midterm elections. The former president held rallies in Detroit and Columbus to support Democratic candidates and criticized the conduct of President Donald Trump and Republican candidates. On the same day, President Trump cast his ballot early in West Palm Beach, Florida, stating he voted for all Republican candidates before traveling to a rally in Georgia.
The campaign stops occurred as both parties sought to motivate voters before the Nov. 3 election. In Ohio, Obama focused on the gubernatorial race, while in Michigan, he advocated for Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed. During his Florida appearance, Trump addressed his administration's legal actions regarding the Alaska Senate race and commented on the conflict in Iran.
In Ohio, Obama criticized Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy for an advertisement featuring the estranged mother of Democratic opponent Dr. Amy Acton. Obama stated there was "no line" Ramaswamy would not cross, noting Acton's past experiences with abuse and homelessness. Trump and Vice President JD Vance have defended the ad, though some Ohio Republicans, including Gov. Mike DeWine, have requested its removal. In Michigan, Obama defended El-Sayed against critics he said were using the candidate’s faith or name against him.
Specific groups affected include residents of Ohio, who are choosing a new governor, and Michigan voters, who are selecting a U.S. Senator. In Florida, voters are deciding a Senate race between Republican Sen. Ashley Moody and state lawmaker Angie Nixon to fill the remaining two years of a vacated term, as well as a gubernatorial race between Republican Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly.
Looking forward, Obama is scheduled to headline a rally in Georgia next week with Sen. Jon Ossoff and gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has instructed the Department of Justice to sue to block the certification of the Alaska Senate results if Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan loses, citing the presence of a second candidate with the same name on the ballot. Results from most races are expected to be reported following the close of polls on Tuesday, Nov. 3.