El-Sayed rallygoers urge 'major change,' cash handouts to fight cost crisis

DETROIT — Supporters of Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed told Fox News Digital the Great Lake State is due for a progressive champion and person of color in statewide office.

"I personally think he's resonating with people in Michigan because he is a person of color, obviously, and then, secondly, he gets down, and he's 10 toes down," said Emily Walker, a teacher at Cass Technical High School, the venue where El-Sayed hosted a rally on Saturday.

"He's out here with the people. He's knocking on doors. He's talking to the community," Walker added. "He's also a medical professional, and I just feel like he's very educated, and he understands what's going on in policies."

OBAMA PREPARES TO RALLY WITH MICHIGAN DEM WHO ONCE DELIVERED SCATHING VERDICT ON HIS PRESIDENCY

Fox News Digital spoke with voters outside Cass Technical High School, where El-Sayed hosted a campaign rally featuring former President Barack Obama Saturday.

Obamas appearance alongside El-Sayed became a major event as the progressive candidate continues working to consolidate backing across the Democratic Party spectrum ahead of the November general election against Republican nominee Mike Rogers.

While exiting the overflow venue, supporters were asked for their thoughts on guaranteed income programs and whether candidates should campaign for them.

AS AMERICANS ARE CRUSHED BY AFFORDABILITY, GROWING TREND OF MAYORS PUSHING CASH HANDOUTS AS THE ANSWER

"I think we need a major change in what we have with Donald Trump and his cohorts," said Dave, an attendee at the event. "The Democrats, I don't think, have been listening well enough. I think we need to change big time instead of just slowly."

Kiana Montgomery, a publicist attending the rally, agreed that El-Sayed's message aligns with what local voters are seeking.

"I think he won because he is speaking to the things that are important to people: education, healthcare and bringing down the costs that are going on right now," Montgomery said. "People are trying to do more than just exist. They're trying to thrive, and they're unable to do that in the economic times right now."

El-Sayeds campaign platform centers heavily on universal healthcare through Medicare-for-all, raising the federal minimum wage and expanding social safety net initiatives. He has also voiced support for guaranteed income program, government-distributed financial assistance provided without strings attached, to support residents during economic hardship or pregnancy.

VOTERS PREPARE TO WEIGH-IN ON TRUMP'S ECONOMY AS COSTS CONTINUE TO SURGE

Jamal Jenkins told Fox News Digital progressive proposals are finding traction because voters want tangible action on the cost of living.

"I think a progressive is resonating because people want to see more action towards putting a dent into affordability," Jenkins said. "When you look at corporate profits and the wealth gap between the wealthy, the shrinking middle class and the impoverished, I think folks want to see action