Former President Barack Obama re-entered the political arena Friday night with a campaign appearance in Red Bank, New Jersey, to support Democratic gubernatorial nominee Rep. Mikie Sherrill.
The fundraiser, hosted by Governor Phil Murphy and first reported by Axios, marked Obama’s first public campaign event since Democrats lost the White House and control of Congress in the 2024 elections. Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin also attended the sold-out “dinner and discussion” event.
Obama, who helped raise $85 million for Democrats in the 2024 cycle, is expected to play a visible role in upcoming state-level races as Democrats attempt to regain momentum.
Sherrill will face Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli in November’s gubernatorial election. Ciattarelli narrowly lost to Murphy in 2021 by just three points — the closest margin for a GOP candidate in New Jersey since former Governor Chris Christie’s 2013 victory.
Political analysts are watching New Jersey and Virginia’s gubernatorial contests closely, viewing them as early signals of voter sentiment ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.