‘Virginia’s Elections Are Some of the Most Important in the Country This Year,’: Obama Backs a Key Virginia Candidate 

Former President Barack Obama has endorsed Democratic candidate Abigail Spanberger in Virginia’s upcoming gubernatorial election, releasing two digital ads encouraging voters to back the former congresswoman. The endorsement adds significant visibility to the race, which is seen as one of the most closely watched state contests of the year.

In the 30-second digital spots, titled Protect Our Rights and An Economy That Works for Everyone, Obama highlights Spanberger’s record on key Democratic priorities including abortion rights, voting rights, and economic policy. As per The Hill, He also urges voters to turn out on Election Day, saying Virginia’s leadership will have a national impact. “Virginia’s elections are some of the most important in the country this year,” Obama says in the ad.

The videos come as part of a broader push by national Democrats to support key battleground candidates in off-year elections. Obama’s endorsement follows another appearance earlier in the week, where he recorded an ad supporting California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s redistricting efforts.

Obama’s Involvement Adds Weight To A Tight Race

Obama’s decision to step into the Virginia race underscores the importance Democrats are placing on maintaining momentum in state elections ahead of 2026. Spanberger, who previously served three terms in the U.S. House representing Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, has maintained a consistent lead in polling over her Republican opponent, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears.

According to polling averages from Decision Desk HQ, Spanberger currently holds 49.9 percent support compared to Earle-Sears’ 44.1 percent. The race, however, remains competitive, as both parties invest heavily in campaign outreach and voter turnout operations across the state.

Obama’s endorsement is the latest sign of strong national interest in Virginia’s gubernatorial contest. The former president has a long history with the state, having flipped Virginia blue in the 2008 presidential election by a margin of six points and winning it again in 2012 by nearly four points. Meanwhile, Republican figures have highlighted what they describe as alarming rhetoric from some Virginia Democrats.

During his tenure, Obama campaigned frequently in Virginia and has since remained active in supporting Democratic candidates in the state. He previously endorsed and campaigned for former Gov. Terry McAuliffe during his unsuccessful 2021 bid for a second term.

Former President Donald Trump has yet to officially endorse Earle-Sears, though he has expressed tentative support. Speaking to reporters in August, Trump said, “I mean, I would. I think probably she’s got a tough race,” Trump told reporters. “She shouldn’t, she shouldn’t have, but because the candidate she’s running against is not very good, but I think she’s got a tough race. But I would, yeah.”

Trump has, however, endorsed incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares, another Republican running statewide.