Former President Barack Obama is set to play a pivotal role in the upcoming gubernatorial elections in Virginia and New Jersey on Saturday, October 21, 2025. He will campaign for Democratic candidates Abigail Spanberger in Virginia and Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey, making appearances that are expected to energize voters just days before the elections on Tuesday, October 24.
Obama will begin his day in Norfolk, Virginia, where he will rally support for Spanberger, who is contesting against Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears. Later in the evening, he will travel to Newark, New Jersey, to support Sherrill as she faces off against former state lawmaker Jack Ciattarelli. This campaign trail marks a significant moment for both candidates, as they seek to solidify their positions ahead of what many consider crucial elections for the Democratic Party.
The importance of Obama’s involvement cannot be overstated. Nearly a decade after leaving office, he remains one of the most influential figures in the Democratic Party. His presence during the final days of these races highlights the stakes involved, with both states leaning Democratic but not guaranteed victories. In Virginia, Spanberger aims to overcome the challenges posed by Earle-Sears, while Sherrill seeks to expand her lead in a tight race against Ciattarelli.
Obama’s campaigning strategy has included cutting ads for both candidates, which began airing in mid-October. His warnings about the potential consequences of President Donald Trump‘s influence on the nation resonate strongly as he travels. Notably, during a recent event with Sherrill, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure, referencing the Gateway Tunnel project, which has become a focal point of contention between the candidates.
“I think we’ve done that a hell of a lot better than my opponent,” Ciattarelli stated after voting in Bridgewater. He downplayed the impact of Obama’s presence, referring to it as “the choreography of campaigns” and asserting the necessity of direct engagement with voters, a strategy he claims has been more effective.
The gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey serve as critical indicators of the national political climate, especially as they occur one year into the Biden administration. Historical precedents suggest that victories for Republicans in these states could signal a shift in voter sentiment ahead of the 2026 midterms. In 2010, similar outcomes in Virginia and New Jersey foreshadowed significant Republican gains in the following elections.
While both Spanberger and Sherrill are favored due to their Democratic affiliations, their paths to victory are fraught with uncertainty. In 2021, Republican Glenn Youngkin won the Virginia governor’s race, illustrating that blue-leaning states are not immune to shifts in voter behavior. Recent polling indicates that Sherrill has maintained only a narrow lead over Ciattarelli, emphasizing the competitive nature of her race.
Both campaign events on Saturday will take place in areas with substantial Black populations, a demographic that has been crucial for Democratic candidates in previous elections. Obama has consistently appeared in Virginia’s Hampton Roads region, emphasizing its importance to the Democratic base.
As the election approaches, the outcomes in Virginia and New Jersey will not only reflect local voter preferences but may also provide insight into the broader national political landscape as the country heads into the next election cycle.
