MIKE CATALINI and OLIVIA DIAZ.

Democrat Mikie Sherrill participates in the final debate in the New Jersey governor's race with Republican Jack Ciattarelli, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in New Brunswick, N.J. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)

Obama, aiming to boost Democrats in New Jersey and Virginia, endorses Sherrill and Spanberger

Barack Obama has endorsed Democratic candidates Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger for governor in New Jersey and Virginia. Obama appears in digital ads supporting both candidates ahead of high-stakes elections next month. These races are seen as indicators of voter sentiment toward President Donald Trump and Republicans before the 2026 midterms. Sherrill faces Republican Jack Ciattarelli, endorsed by Trump, while Spanberger is up against Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears. Obama highlights the importance of these elections, criticizing Republicans on tax cuts and abortion rights. Democrats are eager for victories after Trump’s victory last year.

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Democrat Mikie Sherrill responds to questions during the first general election gubernatorial debate with Republican opponent Jack Ciattarelli, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Lawrenceville, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)

Democrats in governors races see political opportunity amid government shutdown

Democrats say fallout from the Trump administration’s aggressive tactics on the government shutdown could give them a welcome boost in the only two governors’ races on the ballot this year. New Jersey’s and Virginia’s gubernatorial elections are setting up a test of how voters view both President Donald Trump’s second term and the Democrats’ reaction. In Virginia, hundreds of thousands work for the federal government, and in New Jersey where the number roughly 23,000 according to the Congressional Research Service, the Republican administration announced the freezing of $18 billion in funding for a rail tunnel connecting the state to New York City.

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