Obama Hits the Trail for Democrats in Virginia and New Jersey

Wed Oct 22 2025 04:28:43 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Former President Barack Obama is set to rally with Democrats Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill in Virginia and New Jersey as they approach crucial gubernatorial elections, signaling the importance of these races for the Democratic party.

As Election Day approaches, former President Barack Obama will campaign alongside Virginia's Abigail Spanberger and New Jersey's Mikie Sherrill. Both Democrats are facing tough races against Republican opponents, with stakes particularly high given the rarity of gubernatorial elections in odd-numbered years. Spanberger, endorsed by Obama, targets working families, while Sherrill contends with the Republican establishment backed by Trump.

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — In a push to bolster the Democratic campaign efforts just days before critical elections, former President Barack Obama will join Democratic candidates Abigail Spanberger in Virginia and Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey. Both candidates will rally together with Obama on November 1st, ahead of the November 4th election.

Obama endorsed both Spanberger and Sherrill last week, emphasizing the crucial nature of Virginia's races. Spanberger's background as a former CIA officer positions her against Republican Marine veteran and current Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears. The former president characterized Republican policies as burdensome to working families.

In New Jersey, Mikie Sherrill faces a challenge from Republican former Assembly member Jack Ciattarelli, who is also endorsed by Trump. The former president held a telephone town hall event for Ciattarelli, further solidifying a tense race as he attempts to reclaim the governor's seat lost to Democrat Phil Murphy in 2021.

Both gubernatorial races are closely watched as they hold significance for the broader political landscape, providing insight into voter sentiment heading into the 2026 midterm elections. Virginia and New Jersey are the only states holding gubernatorial elections this year, making every campaign appearance notable as both parties strive for dominance.