Democratic senators from across the ideological spectrum met with Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, the progressive Senate nominee in Michigan, and said they were ready to put aside differences to win the majority in November. More than a dozen Democrats met with Dr. El-Sayed and emerged upbeat about a candidate who had not been the first choice of party leaders to defend the critical swing-state seat.

"He's a great candidate," Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, the chairwoman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, said. "We haven't lost Michigan in 30 years. He's energizing the base, and I'm optimistic."

Dr. El-Sayed's past criticism of Israel has been a concern for Jewish Democratic voters in Michigan. Republicans are working to leverage that rift to boost his Republican opponent, former Representative Mike Rogers. But Democrats on Wednesday emphasized unity. Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut said, "Abdul is going to be able to cross over and get conservative, traditionally Republican support in Michigan."

Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona said he planned to campaign in Michigan. Dr. El-Sayed also said he planned to meet with Senator Chuck Schumer, the minority leader, whom he has said he would not back as leader if he were to win in November.