Former President Barack Obama headlined a rally in Virginia on Saturday, aiming to secure a victory for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger, who is currently leading in the polls ahead of the upcoming election.

During his speech, Obama criticized former President Donald Trump and Republican policies while using humor to engage the audience. He emphasized how Spanberger could help address what many Democrats view as a troubling downward trend for the country. “As for the president,” Obama remarked, “he has been focused on critical issues like paving over the Rose Garden so folks don’t get mud on their shoes, and gold-plating the Oval Office and building a $300 million ballroom.” He then quipped, “So Virginia, here’s the good news. If you can’t visit a doctor, don’t worry, he will save you a dance.”

Obama’s rally in Norfolk, Virginia, was strategically timed, occurring just days before the November 4 elections that are being observed as pivotal for gauging public opinion on Trump’s influence and the direction of both parties. According to a recent News survey, Spanberger enjoys 55% support among voters, leading her Republican opponent, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, by 14 points.

Later that day, Obama was scheduled to speak in Newark, New Jersey, on behalf of U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill, who is seen as having a slim lead in her race against Republican Jack Ciattarelli.

“There is absolutely no evidence Republicans’ policies have made life better for you, the people of Virginia,” Obama asserted at the rally. He accused the GOP of entrenching its power at the expense of everyday Americans and stated, “It’s time to point America in a better direction by electing Abigail Spanberger as your next governor.”

Should Spanberger win, she would make history as Virginia’s first female governor. A former CIA analyst, she has served three terms in Congress, while Earle-Sears was elected as the first woman of color to hold a statewide office in Virginia in 2022.

Debates between the candidates have centered on culture and social issues. In an October debate, Earle-Sears, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, raised concerns about transgender women participating in sports. Spanberger countered that such decisions should be made at the community level, rather than dictated by politicians. “There should never be nude men in women’s locker rooms,” she stated.

At the rally, Spanberger criticized Earle-Sears for focusing on divisive issues rather than the pressing concerns of Virginians. “We need a governor who will recognize that Virginians are struggling to afford rising costs in healthcare, housing, and energy,” said Spanberger, who made history as the first Democrat to win her congressional district in almost 50 years.

Obama highlighted Spanberger’s reputation for bipartisanship, noting, “Abigail has real, practical plans to grow the economy and strengthen Virginia schools and lower the cost of everything from housing to healthcare to energy. She is willing to reach across the aisle to make it happen.” He also drew attention to the job losses in Virginia due to federal budget cuts initiated during the Trump administration and the impact of the government shutdown on employment.

Virginia, situated near Washington D.C., has a large federal workforce and has been notably affected by these cuts. Rally participant Tanya Keller expressed her support for Spanberger, stating that she believes the candidate is rational and genuinely concerned about the looming loss of vital social programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Keller remarked, “Obama reminded us what’s at stake, what’s important, and how we must fight against division.” She has also volunteered for Spanberger’s campaign, signaling strong local engagement in this election.

Meanwhile, in New Jersey, the race has revolved around Trump’s policies. Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor, highlighted how tariffs are affecting grocery prices, asserting that Ciattarelli has not stood up to Trump’s influence. “He’ll do whatever Trump tells him to do,” she insisted, stating that Ciattarelli’s responses echo support for Trump’s agenda.