Barack Obama to rally for Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan ahead of key US Senate race – US politics live

Hundreds of Michiganders have gathered outside Cass Technical High School in Detroit, Michigan, where former president Barack Obama will stump for Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed at a rally slated to begin in about an hour.

Good afternoon and welcome to a rare weekend edition of the Guardian’s US politics live blog.

We are coming to you live as US midterm elections draw closer and candidates are jockeying fiercely to win the hearts, minds and votes of the American people.

As part of progressive Abdul El-Sayed’s effort to do just that, he’s added Democratic star power to his rally lineup tonight in Detroit: former president Barack Obama will take the stage and offer his support to the Senate hopeful.

This rally falls on the first day of Michigan’s in-person early voting period and 10 days before election day.

Stick with us as we bring you the latest news from the rally and beyond.