Former President Barack Obama is conducting a weekend campaign tour in New Jersey and Virginia to boost Democratic voter turnout ahead of critical off-year elections that could signal the party’s prospects 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, according to party strategists, who describe the effort as a focus on mobilizing the base rather than persuading undecided voters. The races are seen as potential indicators of broader national sentiment.
Democratic strategist Chuck Rocha, who has advised past senatorial campaigns, stated, “These 2025 off-year elections… are more about turnout than persuasion,” and noted that Obama’s involvement “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 running in Virginia to succeed outgoing GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin. In New Jersey, Sherrill seeks to replace term-limited Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, facing Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli, who is endorsed by President Trump.
For Democrats, victories in these contests would provide a significant boost after last year’s poor performance when Republicans captured the White House and retained control of both the House and Senate. The party has increasingly relied on state governors to exert influence during a period of reduced federal power.
Obama’s participation highlights his continued popularity among Democratic voters. A Gallup poll published earlier this year placed his approval rating at 59%, the highest among all living former presidents. However, some Democratic strategists warn that Obama’s political influence may be waning.
“As we move away from the Obama presidency, the less muscle he has to push,” one strategist said, citing the 2024 cycle, where Obama-endorsed candidates failed to win despite his high-profile rallies.
Republicans are also campaigning aggressively in both states but lack a prominent former figure offering direct support this weekend. The outcomes in Virginia and New Jersey will be closely watched as potential barometers of national momentum ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
In addition to the gubernatorial contests, a ballot measure in California backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom that could shift up to five U.S. House seats to Democrats is drawing attention as part of the broader electoral landscape. Obama has also supported that campaign, according to Fox News.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
