Obama steps up midterm campaigning with endorsements for Democrats
With less than a month until Election Day, Democratic candidates are using new endorsement videos from former President Barack Obama. The ads support Senate and gubernatorial contenders in states including Georgia, Maine, New Mexico and Wisconsin. Obama is also expected to appear at a rally in Michigan and has recorded additional spots as the midterms enter their final stretch.
Obama’s newly released endorsement videos arrive as early voting nears in some states. The first group supports Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff, Maine Senate hopeful Troy Jackson, and gubernatorial candidates Keisha Lance Bottoms, Deb Haaland, and David Crowley.
Obama had already helped Iowa Senate candidate Josh Turek and appeared in Texas with James Talarico and Gina Hinojosa. He is expected to rally in Michigan for Abdul El-Sayed, and about two dozen governor and Senate ads are reportedly ready.
The endorsements could energize Democratic voters and give candidates a familiar national voice, potentially affecting turnout in competitive Senate and governor races. Voters in those states may see more ads and visits, while opponents could use Obama’s involvement to rally their own supporters. Because control of Congress and statehouses may depend on close contests, the final stretch could sharpen attention on both local issues and national themes.