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Former President Barack Obama endorsed former Democrat Abigail Spanberger gubernatorial race of virginia, releasing a couple of ads attacking Republicans.
The contest between Spanberger, a former CIA officer, and Virginia lieutenant governor Winsome Earle-Sears is one of only two gubernatorial races in the United States this November. The contests are seen as political elements before the 2026 midterm elections.
“Virginia’s election is one of the most important in the country this year. We know Republicans will continue to attack abortion rights and women’s rights. That’s why it’s important to have the right governor, and I’m proud to support Abigail Spanberger,” Obama said in one of the ads, titled “Protect Our Rights.”
“In Congress, Abigail held Republicans accountable and fought to protect voting rights and abortion rights,” Obama said. “But it won’t happen without you. Every vote counts, so get it out. Virginia, Abigail Spanberger is the best choice for governor.”
TOP GOP GROUP LEAVES BIG MONEY TO VIRGINIA AFTER DEM AG NOMINEE’S VIOLENT TEXTS GO VIRAL
Abigail Spanberger, who is running to be the next governor of Virginia, has been endorsed by former President Barack Obama. (Serhiy Morgunov/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images; Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Earle-Sears press secretary Peyton Vogel told Fox News Digital in reaction to the ads that, “Abigail Spanberger is scared, and it shows.”
“After losing support in Virginia, he’s leaning on liberal elites to try to save his collapsing campaign. This is a desperate move by a candidate who’s run out of support, out of ideas and out of time. Voters see, and that’s why Winsome Earle-Sears is surging,” Vogel added.
In the other ad, Obama said, “Republican policies are raising costs for working families so (that) billionaires can get massive tax cuts.”
“As governor, Abigail will stand up for Virginia families,” Obama said. “He will work to build an economy that works for everyone, not just big corporations and the rich.”
Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and New Jersey Lt. Gov. Jack Ciattarelli are the only Republican gubernatorial candidates running in the off-season this year. (Getty Images)
Earle-Sears recently criticized Spanberger on his X account Wednesday night for his reaction to the text message scandal around Democratic Virginia attorney general candidate Jay Jones.
The scandal involving Jones came to light earlier this month when the National Review published text message exchanges between Jones and her former state legislative colleague, Republican House Representative Carrie Coyner. In the exchanges, Jones appears to call for violence against then-Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert, his wife, Jennifer, and their children.
“Jay Jones expressed his desire to murder a father and his two young sons and see police officers get shot,” Earle-Sears said. “Abigail Spanberger still supports him.”
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger heads to a get-out-the-vote rally on the first day of early voting outside the East Government Center on September 19, 2025, in Henrico County, Virginia. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
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Fox News Digital reported this week that Spanberger’s campaign store continues to sell co-branded merchandise with the rest of the statewide Democratic ticket, which includes Jones.
Fox News’ Paul Steinhauser, Rachel Wolf and Charles Creitz contributed to this report.
