Barack Obama is throwing his full weight behind Democratic Virginia gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger, releasing two brand-new digital ads today that urge voters to support the former congresswoman in next month’s election. You should know that this is a huge move, as the former President is one of the most popular figures in the Democratic Party, and his involvement clearly signals how seriously the party is taking the Virginia race.
Obama’s endorsement comes as Spanberger continues to hold a lead over her Republican opponent, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears. The two 30-second spots are titled “Protect Our Rights” and “An economy that works for everyone” and focus on Spanberger’s track record concerning the economy, voting rights, and, crucially, abortion rights, according to The Hill.
In the ads, Obama states that “Virginia’s elections are some of the most important in the country this year,” which really underscores the national significance being placed on this off-year contest. It’s a direct attack on Earle-Sears, who has faced criticism for her allegiance to the President.
Obama is backing someone to take Virginia for democrats
The latest polling average from Decision Desk HQ shows Spanberger leading Earle-Sears with 49.9 percent to 44.1 percent. However, some other nonpartisan polls have shown even wider margins, with Spanberger leading by 10 points in recent surveys. For example, a Christopher Newport University poll from early October put her ahead, 52% to 42%, among likely voters. Obama has been vocal to help California as well.
Still, a very recent poll from The Trafalgar Group suggests the race is tightening, with Spanberger leading by a very narrow 2.6 percentage points, at 47.7% to 45.1%, which falls within the poll’s margin of error. These numbers clearly show that every bit of campaigning and every major endorsement, like this one from Obama, could be the deciding factor.
This isn’t the first time Obama has jumped into Virginia’s off-year elections, either, but we love it when he speaks up. He previously campaigned for and endorsed former Governor Terry McAuliffe in his unsuccessful 2021 bid for the governor’s mansion. Historically, the former President has a strong connection to the state, having flipped Virginia blue in the 2008 presidential election by six points and winning it again in 2012 by just under four points. That’s a powerful legacy in the state, and Spanberger is clearly hoping some of that success will rub off on her campaign.
The race also has a huge shadow cast over it by Trunp. He is yet to officially endorse Earle-Sears, though he did give a suggestion back in August that he “would” endorse her. Back then, he told reporters, “I mean, I would. I think probably she’s got a tough race… 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”.
