Obama campaigns with socialist-aligned Democrats ahead of midterms
Former President Barack Obama is backing progressive and democratic socialist candidates as the party's left wing gains ground in 2026 primaries, drawing criticism from Republicans and questions about his past positions.
Former President Barack Obama is increasingly lending his political weight to socialist and socialist-aligned Democrats as the party's left wing gains ground ahead of the November midterm elections. His recent endorsements and campaign appearances show a willingness to bring some of the party's most progressive figures into the Democratic coalition, even as he has not backed every socialist candidate.
The shift comes as Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidates have scored several notable primary victories this year. In Colorado, Melat Kiros defeated longtime Democratic Rep. Diana DeGette, while Donavan McKinney ousted Rep. Shri Thanedar in Michigan. Socialist-backed candidates also won congressional primaries in New York, building on the 2025 mayoral victory of Zohran Mamdani in New York City.
On Saturday, Obama campaigned in Michigan alongside Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, who has embraced progressive policies including Medicare for All, though he does not identify as a democratic socialist or a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. He also lent his support to Florida Senate nominee Angie Nixon, a DSA member, in a campaign video. Nixon is campaigning on Medicare for All, universal child care, rent protections and higher taxes on billionaires. Obama praised her for championing a $15 minimum wage and opposing Republican-backed congressional redistricting maps, calling her a leader « willing to stand up again and again for what’s right » who would make « an outstanding U.S. Senator ».
At the Michigan rally, Obama defended the party against accusations that it has moved too far left by focusing on health care. « What is so radical about wanting everybody to have health care? » he asked, as he promoted El-Sayed’s pledge to expand access to affordable coverage. Critics responded by revisiting Obama’s own Obamacare-era promises and questioning the affordability of health care under his signature law.
Obama has also campaigned with Texas Senate candidate James Talarico, whom Republicans have branded a democratic socialist. Talarico has emphasized economic populism, universal health care, stronger unions and campaign-finance restrictions, but does not identify as a socialist.
Obama’s support for the party’s left flank is not new. He endorsed Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in her 2018 congressional race and former Rep. Jamaal Bowman in 2020, both of whom received backing from the Democratic Socialists of America. He also reached out to Mamdani during his 2025 New York City mayoral campaign, praising the candidate and offering to serve as a sounding board without formally endorsing him.
Obama’s past public praise of figures tied to communist movements has also drawn attention. He has repeatedly celebrated Nelson Mandela, who had documented ties to South Africa’s Communist Party, and wrote warmly in « Dreams from My Father » about Frank Marshall Davis, a former Communist Party USA figure who served as a mentor during Obama’s youth.
Democratic strategists have defended the approach as an effort to build a broad coalition rather than an endorsement of every progressive position. Democratic strategist Kevin Walling told Fox News Digital that Obama « remains the most popular figure in Democratic politics and a kingmaker whose support candidates actively seek ». Democratic strategist Mally Smith said Obama « understands we need a big-tent coalition » and is helping Democrats ranging from Josh Turek in Iowa to El-Sayed in Michigan.
President Donald Trump, speaking at a campaign rally in Kansas, called Obama « a rotten president » and said Obama was going to Michigan to help El-Sayed campaign. Smith argued that Republicans have no equivalent to Obama’s broad appeal, saying Trump was on a red-state tour because swing-state Republicans did not want to be seen with him.
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