Former President Barack Obama issued a nationwide Election Day appeal on Monday, urging Americans frustrated with the country’s political climate to vote for Democratic candidates in the November 3 midterm elections. Obama also specifically endorsed candidates in Georgia, Ohio and Michigan, framing the contests as an opportunity to change the direction of the country.
“All across the country, I’ve heard from folks who are sick and tired of what they’re seeing from politicians right now. This Election Day, we have the power to vote for the candidates who will bring about the change we need.”
His message emphasizes voter participation and presents the election as a chance to respond to dissatisfaction with current political leadership.
In an accompanying Georgia message, Obama urged voters to support former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms for governor and re-elect Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff. Obama previously endorsed Bottoms in October, praising her public service record and highlighting her proposals on affordability, Medicaid expansion, rural hospitals and grocery taxes.
Obama’s endorsement of Ossoff also reflects the importance of Georgia’s Senate contest to the national balance of power. Ossoff is seeking another term against Republican Rep. Mike Collins. Obama has previously said Ossoff would help protect voting rights and civil rights while supporting an economy that works for ordinary Americans.
In Ohio, Obama called on voters to elect former Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown to the Senate and Dr. Amy Acton as governor. Brown is attempting to return to the Senate in a contest against Republican Sen. Jon Husted, while Acton is running against Republican Vivek Ramaswamy. Obama campaigned with both Democrats in Cleveland in October and criticized the Republican administration’s handling of economic and political issues.
Obama’s support for Brown has emphasized his record of fighting for Ohio workers. In an endorsement video, Obama said the Senate contest could determine which party controls the chamber and whether Ohioans would have a representative in Washington fighting for their interests.
The former president’s Ohio campaign appearances have also included criticism of the Trump administration. Obama has attacked the administration over affordability, corruption allegations and its conduct in office, arguing that voters have an opportunity to reject the current political direction through their choices at the ballot box.
In Michigan, Obama endorsed Abdul El-Sayed for the U.S. Senate and Jocelyn Benson for governor. El-Sayed is running against Republican former Rep. Mike Rogers, while Benson, Michigan’s current secretary of state, is seeking the governorship. Obama campaigned with both candidates in Detroit in October.
Obama’s support for El-Sayed has included a defense of the candidate amid criticism of his background and political positions. During his Michigan rally, Obama said El-Sayed shared his values and pushed back against attacks on the candidate’s identity and faith. The endorsement reflects Obama’s effort to consolidate Democratic support behind the party’s nominees.
The three state-specific messages form part of a broader effort by Obama to mobilize Democratic voters in competitive contests. His campaign activity during the 2026 midterms has included endorsements, rallies and fundraising, with the former president increasingly active as Election Day approaches.
The significance of the election extends beyond the individual races. The House and Senate contests will determine whether Republicans retain control of Congress or Democrats gain greater authority to shape legislation, conduct oversight and challenge the Trump administration’s agenda. A Democratic majority would also change the political environment for investigations into the administration.
Prediction markets have reflected expectations of a potential Democratic congressional gain. As of November 2, Polymarket data showed roughly a 95% chance of Democrats winning control of the House and around a 76% chance of Democrats winning the Senate. These figures represent market-implied probabilities, not confirmed election outcomes or conventional polling results.
Obama’s final appeal is therefore focused on translating dissatisfaction with politicians into electoral participation. By endorsing candidates in several states and urging voters to support Democrats down the ballot, he is making the midterms a referendum on the country’s current political direction.
Full main post:
“All across the country, I’ve heard from folks who are sick and tired of what they’re seeing from politicians right now. This Election Day, we have the power to vote for the candidates who will bring about the change we need.”
3:08 PM · Nov 2, 2026
Full accompanying Georgia post:
“Georgia, let’s make history by voting for @KeishaBottoms as your next Governor and re-electing Jon @Ossoff to the U.S. Senate.”
Full accompanying Ohio post:
“Ohio, let’s send @SherrodBrown to the Senate and make @AmyActonOH your next Governor.”
Full accompanying Michigan post:
“Michigan, @AbdulElSayed will be an outstanding senator, and @JocelynBenson will make you proud as governor. If we vote for these candidates and Democrats up and down the ballot on November 3rd, we can help change the direction of this country. So make a plan to vote today at
http:/IWillVote.com.”