Newark, New Jersey — November 1, 2025 | Dalena Reporters
Former President Barack Obama headlined a campaign rally in Newark on Saturday night for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill, drawing thousands of supporters and casting the contest as a referendum on former President Donald Trump rather than state-level policy issues.
The venue at Essex County College reached capacity well before the event began, with hundreds more streaming in from an adjacent overflow area. Several voters interviewed by Fox News Digital said they turned out primarily because of Obama’s presence — and because they believe the New Jersey race is fundamentally about taking a stand on Trump’s national influence. “[Trump] is absolutely the worst … the top issue is Trump,” said one attendee from Spring Lake. “We want to get Trump out of office, number one.
During his remarks, Obama focused squarely on critiquing the Trump administration and its impact on ordinary Americans. He declared: “Let’s face it, our country and our politics are in a pretty dark place right now… because every day this White House offers up a fresh batch of lawlessness and carelessness and mean-spiritedness and just plain old craziness.
At the same time, Obama credited Sherrill, a U.S. Representative and former Navy pilot, for stepping up to represent families struggling with rising costs and political polarisation. The rally emphasised local turnout but repeatedly returned to themes of national discontent, Trump’s economic policies and the influence of his political style on state elections.
Voters echoed the sentiment. Outside the auditorium, campaign volunteers sold T-shirts and merchandise emblazoned with anti-Trump slogans. One South Jersey voter said, “I’m voting for Sherrill because she actually understands all people. She is not a minion for Trump.” Another added: “My ballot’s about Trump. Everything else is secondary.
New Jersey’s gubernatorial election is being closely watched as a barometer of Democratic strength in traditionally blue states, particularly during an off-year election cycle. Polling suggests Sherrill holds a narrow advantage over her Republican opponent, Jack Ciattarelli, but the focus of the campaign appears to be shifting from local issues to national narratives centred on Trump.
Analysts say Obama’s involvement signals the Democratic Party’s belief that the race is not just about New Jersey, but about the broader struggle for control of state and national politics ahead of future mid-term elections. The shift underscores how local elections are increasingly seen through the lens of national political dynamics and personalities.
As New Jersey heads into election day, all eyes will be on turnout — and whether the wave of enthusiasm around Obama and anti-Trump sentiment translates into votes.