Former U.S. President Barack Obama headlined a Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee fundraiser on Wednesday, as the party works to gain seats in the November midterm elections. Republicans currently control the Senate, 53-47.
The Washington event included a conversation between Obama and Delaware Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester, the committee’s vice chair. Democrats have grown more optimistic in recent weeks as several races have shifted in their favor, CBS News reported.
The outlet’s battleground tracker rates Texas and Ohio as toss-ups. Democrats need to gain four seats to take control of the Senate. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told CBS that voters were dissatisfied with President Donald Trump and Senate Republicans. Republican leader John Thune said his party would make its case by pointing to its record and plans for the future.
Michigan is a key contest for both parties. Democrats are defending the seat of retiring Sen. Gary Peters, while Republicans see it as a pickup opportunity. A CBS Detroit poll by Mitchell Research and Communications showed Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed narrowly ahead of Republican Mike Rogers. Obama is expected to campaign with El-Sayed and other Democrats in Michigan later this month.
Obama has also recorded about two dozen ads for Senate and gubernatorial candidates. Last month, he joined fundraisers for House Democrats and discussed artificial intelligence, including safety concerns, possible job displacement and economic effects.