Former President Barack Obama has publicly endorsed Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA officer and current Democratic candidate for Virginia governor, in a major campaign move that targets the Republican Party on abortion rights and economic policy. The two new ads released as part of Spanberger’s campaign feature Obama directly criticizing Republicans for their stance on abortion access and their alleged efforts to reduce taxes for the wealthy at the expense of working families. The ads were unveiled amid heightened tensions in the state, as both candidates vie for the governor’s seat in one of only two U.S. gubernatorial races this fall.
Spanberger, a former Democratic congressman and long-time public servant, faces a formidable opponent in Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who is backed by Virginia’s Republican establishment. The race is considered a bellwether for national political trends, with the outcome seen as a potential indicator of how voters will respond in the 2026 midterm elections. Obama’s endorsement comes as Spanberger’s campaign continues to navigate the fallout from the recent Jay Jones texting scandal, which has raised questions about the integrity of the Democratic ticket. Despite the controversy, Spanberger’s campaign has continued to promote co-branded merchandise with other Democratic candidates, including Jones, drawing criticism from Republican lawmakers.
Earle-Sears’ press secretary, Peyton Vogel, reacted to Obama’s endorsement by labeling the move as a last-ditch effort by Spanberger to salvage her campaign. Vogel argued that Spanberger’s loss of support across Virginia has forced her to rely on “liberal elites” for backing, calling it a sign of desperation. Meanwhile, Earle-Sears has been actively campaigning against Spanberger, particularly highlighting the scandal involving Jones, a Democratic attorney general candidate whose past text messages have been interpreted as expressing violent intentions toward Republican leaders. Earle-Sears accused Spanberger of still supporting Jones despite the controversy, arguing that the scandal has exposed the Democratic Party’s disconnection from the broader electorate. The election is set to take place on November 5, and the outcome is expected to shape the political landscape in Virginia for years to come.