“California, the whole nation is counting on you,” former President Barack Obama declared in a recent ad, his voice carrying the weight of a party desperate for a comeback. With the 2025 off-year elections just around the corner, this isn’t just a plea for votes—it’s a battle cry for a Democratic base battered by last year’s losses. The stakes couldn’t feel higher.

Obama is hitting the campaign trail hard this weekend, aiming to reignite Democratic turnout ahead of Tuesday’s critical state-level contests, the Hill reported. 

The main players are Obama, still a beloved figure among Democrats with a 59% approval rating per a 2025 Gallup poll, and gubernatorial candidates like New Jersey’s Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Virginia’s Abigail Spanberger. Their potential victories are seen as lifelines for a party reeling from Republican sweeps of the White House, House, and Senate in 2024. But there’s more behind that move.

Obama’s Push Sparks Hope and Skepticism

Over the weekend, Obama is stumping alongside Sherrill and Spanberger, focusing not on swaying undecideds but on motivating the Democratic faithful to show up. It’s a turnout game, pure and simple.

“The 2025 off-year elections are not held in a normal election year so this is more about turnout than it is about persuasion,” noted Democratic strategist Chuck Rocha. And who better to rally the troops than Obama, whose charisma still resonates with the base?

Yet, some wonder if his star power can truly turn the tide in today’s fractured political landscape. Is his influence enough to counter the GOP’s momentum? That’s the question lingering over every rally.

State Races Become Democratic Battlegrounds

These gubernatorial races aren’t just local affairs; they’re vital for Democrats to maintain any semblance of influence at the state level after national setbacks. Think of it as a firewall strategy—governors like California’s Gavin Newsom and Illinois’ JB Pritzker have been the party’s last line of defense over the past year. A quick look at the situation shows how much Democrats are banking on state-level wins to keep their voice alive amid Republican dominance.

Obama’s role here ties back to that “turnout game” mentioned earlier. His recent reemergence, including vocal support for California’s Proposition 50 to reshape congressional maps, signals a broader push to energize the base.

Still, not everyone is convinced his efforts will stick. There’s a growing murmur within Democratic circles that even trusted figures like Obama are losing their grip as time moves on from his presidency.

Can Obama Still Move the Needle?

Reactions to Obama’s campaign blitz are mixed, with some strategists questioning the impact of high-profile endorsements in a multimedia-saturated world. One insider bluntly stated that voters care more about candidates than surrogates, no matter how iconic.

Here’s how we got here: after Obama’s full-throated support for Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024 failed to shift outcomes, skepticism has only grown. Even his powerful convention speeches and last-minute rallies couldn’t stop the red wave.

Allies admit Obama is “distraught” over current policies and perceived threats to democratic norms under President Trump’s administration. And it’s far from over.

Why These Elections Could Reshape Politics

For everyday Americans, the message is clear: state-level races like these could determine whether Democrats can claw back relevance or remain sidelined. Obama’s plea that “the whole nation is counting on you” isn’t just rhetoric—it’s a desperate call to action echoing from California to the East Coast.

Looking ahead, these contests might signal whether the Democratic base still responds to familiar voices or if new leadership is needed. The results could either validate Obama’s efforts or deepen doubts about his fading influence.

As Tuesday approaches, the tension is palpable. Will Obama’s campaign push deliver the turnout Democrats crave, or will it be another reminder of a party struggling to adapt? The next few days could change everything.

The Facts

• Obama is campaigning for Democratic gubernatorial candidates in New Jersey and Virginia ahead of the 2025 off-year elections.
• His focus is on boosting Democratic turnout rather than persuading undecided voters.
• Democratic strategists see these state races as critical after major losses in 2024.
• Obama also supports California’s Proposition 50 to potentially expand Democratic House seats.
• Despite his efforts, some within the party doubt the effectiveness of high-profile endorsements.

Former President Barack Obama is campaigning to energize Democratic voters ahead of the 2025 off-year elections, focusing on key gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia to help the party recover from 2024 losses.