OLIVIA DIAZ, MIKE CATALINI and BILL BARROW.

Former President Barack Obama endorses New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill at a campaign rally, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)

Obama blasts Trump ahead of Election Day in Virginia and New Jersey. Republicans keep it local

Former President Barack Obama is urging voters to use Tuesday’s elections in Virginia and New Jersey to rebuke President Donald Trump and candidates loyal to him. Governor races in those states may signal the national mood 10 months into Trump’s second presidency. Republicans also were campaigning Saturday, but without national star power. Republicans sidestepped talk of the president and instead tried to localize the contests. On the west coast, California advocates are making a final push for a statewide referendum to redraw the state’s congressional map in Democrats’ favor. This effort is part of a national redistricting battle.

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