On Saturday, former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris held separate rallies urging Democrats to mobilize voters for critical gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey, as well as a proposition in California aimed at redrawing the congressional map. Their appeals come at a time when President Donald Trump's political operation is also heavily investing in voter turnout initiatives for the upcoming elections in these states, aiming to bolster Republican candidates.
During a rally for Democratic candidate and former U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger in Norfolk, Virginia, Obama addressed a crowd of thousands, stating, “Our country and our politics are in a pretty dark place right now.” He criticized the current administration, pointing to a “fresh batch of lawlessness and recklessness” emanating from the White House. Obama specifically targeted Trump for his economic policies, emphasizing the impact of layoffs on Virginia's workforce, which is heavily composed of federal employees.
“The economy has been really good for some of Trump’s billionaire pals and well-connected corporations,” Obama remarked, adding that “hundreds of thousands of federal employees… have lost their jobs to pay for those billionaire tax cuts.” In her speech, Spanberger highlighted the importance of distancing her campaign from current Virginia Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, linking her opponent's policies to Trump’s administration. “We do not need someone who has been in lockstep with this administration,” Spanberger stated.
Later that evening, Obama joined Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic candidate for governor in New Jersey, for another campaign rally in Newark. He reiterated his criticisms of Trump and the Republican Party, while praising Sherrill’s leadership capabilities. “Mikie is the kind of leader who understands the mission and knows who she is supposed to serve,” Obama said, emphasizing that New Jersey needs a leader who stands firm against challenges.
Obama did not hesitate to connect Sherrill’s opponent, Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli, to Trump, noting that Ciattarelli has expressed support for the former president. “Donald Trump called Mikie's opponent '100% MAGA.' Not a great endorsement,” he quipped. This rally for Sherrill came as Trump’s political operation confirmed investments of millions in voter turnout efforts for both New Jersey and Virginia, indicating a strategic push in these crucial gubernatorial races.
According to sources familiar with Trump’s political strategy, his aligned entities are spending significant sums to enhance voter turnout, viewing these races as opportunities to refine campaign techniques ahead of the midterm elections next year. Despite the tightening polls in New Jersey, Democrats maintain a substantial voter registration advantage of nearly 900,000.
“You have a very important election for governor coming up in your state, and you need to go vote for Jack,” Trump urged during a recent tele-rally, highlighting his support for Ciattarelli. “He’s a special guy that will produce unbelievable results.” Trump's ability to energize voters remains a focal point for his campaign efforts, even as he is not on the ballot himself.
In a separate rally, Vice President Kamala Harris joined other officials to advocate for a ballot proposition in California that seeks to redraw congressional districts. This measure could potentially flip several Republican-held seats in the upcoming midterms. Harris articulated the significance of the proposition, stating, “This fight is not about sitting by and complaining… We believe in the power of the vote, and we are prepared, when necessary, to fight fire with fire.”
As California voters decide on this crucial proposition, Harris emphasized the need for active engagement, urging other states to take similar actions. “We refuse to kneel at the foot of a tyrant. That’s not what we do,” she asserted, reinforcing her commitment to democratic principles and the essential role of voting in shaping political representation.
As the elections draw near, both Democratic and Republican candidates are intensifying their efforts to rally support, making these gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey critical battlegrounds for the future of American politics.