Former President Barack Obama has made a formal endorsement of two Democratic candidates for governor, continuing his practice of being reserved with endorsements leading up to elections. This year, both candidates represent New Jersey and Virginia, marking them as the only Democratic hopefuls in their states.
In a video released on Friday, Obama praised New Jersey Representative Mikie Sherrill, saying, “Mikie’s integrity, grit, and dedication to service are what we need in our leadership right now.” He further emphasized that she is an ideal choice for the next governor, highlighting her commitment to lowering living costs for families in New Jersey and her background as a federal prosecutor and Navy helicopter pilot.
Only New Jersey and Virginia are holding gubernatorial elections in 2025, with Sherrill and former Virginia Representative Abigail Spanberger as the Democratic candidates. Obama also endorsed Spanberger in a Thursday ad that criticized Republicans, particularly on the issue of abortion rights. He stated, “Virginia’s election is one of the most important in this country this year,” reinforcing the need for a suitable gubernatorial candidate.
Following Obama’s endorsement of Spanberger, a spokesperson for current Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earl Sears accused her campaign of being desperate and losing support, asserting that Spanberger’s reliance on high-profile endorsements indicated her campaign’s weakness.
In New Jersey, GOP candidate Jack Ciatarelli’s campaign expressed skepticism about Sherrill’s ties to Obama, suggesting her connections to him and Hillary Clinton wouldn’t resonate with middle-class voters, claiming the opposite might energize them.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton starred at a fundraiser for the two Democratic candidates earlier in October, adding to the support they receive. Historically, Obama has been cautious about his endorsements. For instance, he hinted at supporting Clinton for several months before officially endorsing her in June 2016.
During the 2020 election, he similarly refrained from announcing support until later in the campaign, eventually endorsing Joe Biden. He had emphasized unity among Democrats, advocating patience and suggesting everyone focus on defeating the Republican opposition instead of getting caught up in primary differences.
This time around, both Sherrill and Spanberger are gaining attention not only for their campaigns but also for their backgrounds as former roommates, which adds a personal dimension to their political journeys. Meanwhile, Obama has kept a low profile regarding endorsements, only stepping in when he feels it is necessary, as he did during Biden’s campaign in 2020.
In recent events, there’s been speculation about who will take the lead for the Democratic Party going forward, given the high stakes of the upcoming gubernatorial elections. Fox News Digital contacted Obama’s office for additional remarks about his endorsements but had not received a response at the time of this report.
