The endorsements came as Obama announced his support for 260 candidates for statewide and local offices across the nation, adding to the list of 81 endorsements he made in August. 

"Democratic candidates up and down the ticket, all across the country, make up a movement of citizens who are younger, more diverse, more female than ever before," Obama said in a Facebook post. "They’re Americans who aren’t just running against something, but for something. They’re running to expand opportunity for all of us and to restore the dignity, honor, and compassion that should be the essence of public service."

Obama's second round of endorsements focused on "close races in which his support would make a meaningful difference; state legislative and/or statewide races that are redistricting priorities; Obama campaign and administration alumni who have been inspired to run for office; and building a pipeline of diverse talent and elevating the next generation of leaders within the Democratic party."

Polling released last week by the Detroit Free Press indicated that the race for governor is tightening, as Whitmer's lead on Schuette was reduced to 8 percent. Previous polling from Ipsos showed Whitmer with a 13 percent advantage.

President Donald Trump endorsed Bill Schuette for governor in Sept. 2017. Asked whether Trump would be campaigning in Michigan, Schuette answered that he "fully expects him to."

Vice President Mike Pence visited Michigan to campaign for Schuette after his August primary win, speaking at a unity rally held in Grand Rapids by the Michigan Republican Party. Former Vice President Joe Biden, meanwhile, visited Southfield in September to stump for Whitmer.