Obama Campaigns Virginia New Jersey Governors Ahead 2025 Elections

Former President Barack Obama is actively campaigning for Democratic gubernatorial candidates in Virginia and New Jersey ahead of the 2025 elections, aiming to help his party rebound after previous setbacks and counter Republican efforts to maintain control of key districts. Obama will headline rallies supporting Abigail Spanberger in Virginia and Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey, with other prominent Democrats joining the efforts, including governors from several states and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who criticized President Donald Trump's policies like the termination of the Gateway Tunnel project. These elections are seen as critical indicators of the political climate during Trump's second term and ahead of the 2026 midterms, with Democrats focusing on voter turnout, especially among Black voters, and efforts to regain House control. Meanwhile, California voters are deciding on a proposition to give redistricting power back to the Democratic-controlled legislature, which could create additional Democratic-leaning congressional seats, counterbalancing GOP gains from redistricting in states like Texas, Missouri, and North Carolina. Though current President Trump and his allies campaign to maintain their House majority, Obama’s involvement underscores his continued influence as a leading Democratic surrogate, especially as other potential 2028 Democratic presidential contenders have been less visible in this cycle. Democrats face challenges in finding new leadership, but view these gubernatorial races as key to shaping their future political prospects.