Former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris urged Democratic voters to turn out in Virginia, New Jersey, and California during separate rallies on Saturday.
Obama Hits Trump at Virginia and New Jersey Rallies
Speaking in Norfolk, Virginia, at a rally for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger, Obama criticized President Donald Trump’s administration.
“Our country and our politics are in a pretty dark place right now… Every day this White House offers up a fresh batch of lawlessness and recklessness and mean-spiritedness and just plain craziness,” he said.
Obama focused on Trump’s economic policies, noting the impact on federal employees in Virginia.
“Hundreds of thousands of federal employees, including a lot of people here in Virginia, have lost their jobs to pay for those billionaire tax cuts,” he said, contrasting that with benefits for wealthy corporations.
Spanberger linked her opponent, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, to Trump, saying, “We do not need someone who has been in lockstep with this administration every step of the way.”
Later, Obama joined New Jersey Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill in Newark, praising her leadership.
“She’s the kind of leader who understands the mission, who knows who she is supposed to serve, who doesn’t have a lot of time for excuses. And that is exactly what New Jersey needs right now,” he said. He also criticized Sherrill’s opponent, Republican Jack Ciattarelli, for his support of Trump.
Trump Invests Millions in GOP Voter Turnout
Trump’s political operation has poured millions into New Jersey and Virginia gubernatorial races, focusing on voter turnout for Republican candidates despite Democrats leading in both states. Trump held tele-rallies with outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Ciattarelli to boost support. A source familiar with the operation described Trump as a “turnout machine” even though he is not on the ballot.
Harris Rallies for California Proposition 50
In Los Angeles, Harris campaigned for California’s Proposition 50, which would redraw the state’s congressional map. Supporters argue it could flip five Republican-held districts to Democrats ahead of the midterms. Harris told the crowd, “This is about reminding folks that we refuse to kneel at the foot of a tyrant,” emphasizing the importance of the vote and the Constitution.
Harris urged other states to take action as well.
“This fight is not about sitting by and complaining, ‘Oh, they’re cheating.’ That’s not what this is about. It’s not that kind of party,” she said.
Democrats see these races and the proposition as critical early tests ahead of the 2026 midterms, while Republicans are using Trump’s influence to bolster turnout and support for their candidates.
For more on the midterm elections, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.