Obama Launches Campaign Push in New Jersey and Virginia Ahead of Key Off-Year Elections

By Jim Thomas | Saturday, 01 November 2025 10:56 AM EDT

Former President Barack Obama is conducting a weekend campaign effort in New Jersey and Virginia to boost Democratic voter turnout ahead of critical off-year elections that could signal the party’s trajectory under President Donald Trump’s second term.

Obama will campaign Saturday alongside Democratic gubernatorial nominees Abigail Spanberger in Virginia and Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey, as party strategists describe the events as a focus on mobilizing supporters rather than persuading undecided voters. Democratic strategist Chuck Rocha, who has advised past senatorial campaigns, stated, “These 2025 off-year elections… are more about turnout than persuasion,” adding that Obama’s presence “does not hurt anything because you’re trying to remind people and motivate the base to go vote.”

Spanberger, a former CIA officer and three-term congresswoman, is vying to succeed outgoing GOP Governor Glenn Youngkin in Virginia. In New Jersey, Sherrill seeks to replace term-limited Democratic Governor Phil Murphy, facing Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli, who is backed by President Trump.

For Democrats, victories in these contests could provide a much-needed morale boost after last year’s electoral setbacks, when Republicans secured the White House and maintained control of both the House and Senate. The party has increasingly relied on state governors to exert influence amid diminished federal power.

Obama’s involvement highlights his continued appeal among Democratic voters. A Gallup poll earlier this year showed his approval rating at 59%, the highest among all living former presidents. However, some strategists warn that his political influence may be waning, with one noting, “The more we move away from the Obama presidency, the less muscle he has to push.” This caution comes after Obama-endorsed candidates underperformed in the 2024 cycle despite his high-profile rallies.

Republicans are campaigning aggressively in both states but lack a comparable high-profile figure offering direct support this weekend. The outcomes in Virginia and New Jersey will be closely monitored as indicators of national momentum ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

In addition to the gubernatorial races, a ballot measure in California backed by Governor Gavin Newsom that could shift up to five U.S. House seats to Democrats is also drawing attention. Obama has supported this campaign, according to Fox News.

The focus for Democrats remains clear: energizing their base ahead of what many see as a pivotal moment. For Republicans, these state-level tests will gauge whether the party’s strength under a second Trump term remains intact.