Obama endorses Spanberger for governor in Virginia

Former President Obama endorsed Democratic Virginia gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger on Thursday, releasing two digital ads urging voters to support the former congresswoman on Election Day next month. 

In two 30-secord spots titled “Protect Our Rights” and “An economy that works for everyone" Obama touts Spanberger’s record on the economy, abortion rights and voting rights. 

"Virginia's elections are some of the most important in the country this year," Obama says in the two ads. 

The ads come after the former president starred in a new ad earlier this week promoting California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) redistricting effort in that state. 

Obama, one of the most popular figures in the Democratic Party, is no stranger to Virginia off-year elections. The former president endorsed and campaigned for former Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) in his unsuccessful 2021 bid for the governor's mansion. 

The former president flipped Virginia in the 2008 presidential election, winning the state by six points. He won Virginia again in 2012 by just under four points. 

His endorsement comes as Spanberger has continued to lead her Republican opponent Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears (R ). The latest polling average from The Hill’s partners at Decision Desk HQ show Spanberger leading Earle-Sears 49.9 percent to 44.1 percent.

President Trump has yet to formally endorse Earle-Sears, but has endorsed incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares (R ). 

In August, the president suggested he “would” endorse Earle-Sears. 

“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.”