The BareStory
Former President Barack Obama held rallies in New Jersey and Virginia over the weekend to support Democratic gubernatorial candidates ahead of the November 4 elections. The events took place as former President Donald Trump’s political operation made a seven-figure investment to increase Republican voter turnout in both states.
In Newark, New Jersey, Obama appeared with Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill, while in Norfolk, Virginia, he campaigned for candidate Abigail Spanberger. During a rally, Obama stated that the country is in a "dark place" and accused the Trump administration of "lawlessness and recklessness." He alleged that the economy under Trump had favored billionaires at the expense of federal employees who lost their jobs. The Republican candidates are Jack Ciattarelli in New Jersey and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears in Virginia.
Separately, former Vice President Kamala Harris attended a rally in Los Angeles for a California ballot measure that would redraw five congressional districts currently held by Republicans. According to Harris, the proposition was about refusing to "kneel at the foot of a tyrant."
In response to the Democratic campaigning, Trump’s political operation is spending millions on voter turnout efforts for Ciattarelli and Earle-Sears. A source familiar with the operation confirmed the spending, adding that it serves as a test for future campaign tactics. Trump has held tele-rallies for both Republican candidates. During one such event, he reportedly called Ciattarelli a "special guy."
Ciattarelli has expressed support for Trump but has also stated he would raise differences with the former president if needed. Earle-Sears has received a verbal endorsement from Trump but has not campaigned with him. A source involved with the Trump operation described the races as having "tough odds" but called Trump a "turnout machine."
How it may affect me
As a U.S. reader:
• The election outcomes will directly shape state-level governance in New Jersey and Virginia and could alter congressional representation for some California residents.
• New voter turnout strategies being tested in these races may be used in future national campaigns, potentially altering how political parties engage with voters.
• These state election results may influence future national economic policy by signaling public sentiment on the economic approaches debated by the candidates.
