Obama Rallies for Spanberger and Sherrill

Former President Barack Obama campaigned in Norfolk on Saturday to headline for Virginia Democratic nominee Abigail Spanberger, praising her record, criticizing President Trump’s policies and urging Virginians to elect leaders who serve voters rather than big donors. Spanberger highlighted achievements including lowering drug and insulin costs, addressing the fentanyl crisis, supporting veterans, and restoring Social Security benefits to more than 50,000 Virginia public servants. After Norfolk, Obama traveled to Newark to rally for Rep. Mikie Sherrill in a razor‑tight New Jersey governor’s race, joining last‑minute get‑out‑the‑vote efforts as polls showed the contest in a near dead heat. Democrats hope Obama’s appearances will boost turnout among key constituencies, especially Black and Hispanic voters in Newark. Republican nominees Winsome Earle‑Sears (VA) and Jack Ciattarelli (NJ) continued intensive statewide campaigning. Observers say these off‑year gubernatorial contests, alongside a California redistricting referendum, are being watched as indicators of the national political mood ahead of next year’s midterms.